Last reviewed · How we verify
Placebo (NaCl 0.9%)
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is an inert isotonic solution that serves as a physiological vehicle for drug delivery or fluid replacement with no active pharmacological mechanism.
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is an inert isotonic solution that serves as a physiological vehicle for drug delivery or fluid replacement with no active pharmacological mechanism. Used for Placebo control in clinical trials, Fluid and electrolyte replacement (when used therapeutically).
At a glance
| Generic name | Placebo (NaCl 0.9%) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | NaCL Braun (B.Braun Medical), NaCL Braun (B Braun medical), Saline, Intravenous placebo, Normal Saline |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Placebo saline contains sodium chloride at a concentration matching blood osmolarity, making it isotonic and suitable for intravenous or parenteral administration. It has no intrinsic therapeutic mechanism beyond providing fluid volume and electrolyte balance. When used as a placebo control in clinical trials, it serves as an inert comparator to assess the true efficacy of an active investigational drug.
Approved indications
- Placebo control in clinical trials
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement (when used therapeutically)
Common side effects
- Hyperchloremic acidosis (with large volumes)
- Hypernatremia (with large volumes)
- Injection site reactions (rare)
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Magnesium Supplementation in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Effects of Bronchial Segmental Endotoxin Instillation in Humans (PHASE2)
- Tirzepatide in MetALD (PHASE2)
- Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: Ultrasound-guided Platelet-rich Plasma Versus Placebo Injection (PHASE2)
- Safety Evaluation of PfSPZ Vaccine in Pregnant Women in Mali (MalVIP1) (PHASE1)
- Inflammatory Challenge in Human Aggression. (PHASE2)
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 |