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Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
Normal saline is an isotonic crystalloid solution that restores intravascular volume and maintains electrolyte balance.
Normal saline restores and maintains fluid balance and electrolyte homeostasis by providing isotonic sodium chloride solution that matches plasma osmolality. Used for Hypovolemia and shock (hemorrhagic, septic, cardiogenic), Perioperative fluid maintenance and replacement, Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
At a glance
| Generic name | Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Normal saline, placebo, Isotonic Saline |
| Sponsor | Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute |
| Drug class | Crystalloid fluid / Electrolyte solution |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Fluid and Electrolyte Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is a sterile, isotonic fluid containing 0.9 g NaCl per 100 mL, matching the osmolality of blood plasma. It is administered intravenously to replace lost fluids, restore circulating volume, and maintain proper sodium and chloride concentrations. The solution distributes across intravascular and interstitial compartments to support tissue perfusion and cellular function.
Approved indications
- Hypovolemia and shock (hemorrhagic, septic, cardiogenic)
- Perioperative fluid replacement
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Vehicle for intravenous medication administration
Common side effects
- Hyperchloremic acidosis
- Fluid overload / pulmonary edema
- Hypernatremia
- Phlebitis at infusion site
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Lidocaine Infusion Versus Dexmedemidine Infusion on the Neurocognitive Function of Elderly Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography(ERCP): a Randomized, Controlled Trial. (NA)
- PRP Injection Into the Sacroiliac Joint After Ipsilateral THA: Effects on Early Recovery and Function (SIJ-THA Randomized Trial) (NA)
- Pulse Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (PHASE2)
- Effects of Bronchial Segmental Endotoxin Instillation in Humans (PHASE2)
- FAP-targeted PET/NIR in Lung Malignant Tumors
- Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: Ultrasound-guided Platelet-rich Plasma Versus Placebo Injection (PHASE2)
- Safety Evaluation of PfSPZ Vaccine in Pregnant Women in Mali (MalVIP1) (PHASE1)
- Impact of Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine on Early Postoperative Pulmonary Function (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute portfolio CI