Last reviewed · How we verify

IV Placebo (Saline)

Allergan · FDA-approved active Small molecule

IV saline placebo has no active pharmacological mechanism; it is a control comparator consisting of sterile sodium chloride solution.

IV saline placebo has no active pharmacological mechanism; it is a control comparator consisting of sterile sodium chloride solution. Used for Clinical trial control / placebo comparator (not a therapeutic indication).

At a glance

Generic nameIV Placebo (Saline)
Also known asSaline
SponsorAllergan
ModalitySmall molecule
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Intravenous saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is an isotonic crystalloid fluid used as a vehicle or placebo control in clinical trials. It serves no therapeutic purpose beyond maintaining fluid balance and is used to blind study participants and investigators to treatment allocation. Any observed clinical effects in the placebo arm are attributable to natural disease progression, regression to the mean, or placebo response rather than pharmacological action.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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