Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 5ml
It is used to flush IV sets and access devices.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Intravenous flushing agent
Pharmacologic Class
Isotonic solution; Electrolyte
Pregnancy Category
Category B
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection, often called 'saline flush,' is a sterile salt water solution. It's used to keep your IV (intravenous) line clear and working properly. It helps prevent the IV line from getting blocked and ensures that any medicines given through the line go in smoothly and safely.
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and carefully read all accompanying information. Adhere to the dosage instructions and guidelines provided to ensure safe and effective use.
For proper storage and disposal of this medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best approach for home storage.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action to take.
For proper storage and disposal of this medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best approach for home storage.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action to take.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Maintain good hand hygiene before touching your IV line or dressing.
- Avoid pulling or tugging on your IV line.
- Keep the IV site clean and dry as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Report any concerns or changes at your IV site immediately.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 1000ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 250ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 50ml
- Sodium Chloride 1gm Tablets
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 10ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 50ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 20ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45%/20meqkcl
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% W/ 20meq Kcl
- Sodium Chloride 4meq/ml (23.4%) Inj
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Excel Inj 250ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 30x3ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 50ml
- Sod Chloride 23.4% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 500ml
- Sodium Chloride 2.5meq/ml Inj, 40ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 15ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 100 X 5ml
- Sodium Chloride 10% Neb Soln, 15ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 5ml
- Sodium Chloride 5% Ophth Oint 3.5gm
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 10ml
- Sodium Chloride 7% Neb Sol 60x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 23.4% Inj, 200ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 25 X 5ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 100 X 3ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 50 X 15ml
- Sodium Chloride 10% Neb Sol 60x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 2ml
- Sodium Chloride 2.5meq/ml Inj, 20ml
- Sodium Chloride 2.5meq/ml Inj, 40ml
- Sod Chloride 4meq/ml Inj, 25x30ml
- Sod Chloride 5% Ophth Soln 15ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 1000ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 30x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 7% Neb Sol 30x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 60x4ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 250ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 150ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj,100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 25ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 125ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 250ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 50ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 5% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45%/20meq Kcl
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
2-10 mL per flush
Dose Range:
2 - 10 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
routine_catheter_flush:
2-5 mL before and after medication administration or blood draws, and every 8-24 hours to maintain patency.
central_line_flush:
5-10 mL before and after medication administration or blood draws.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
0.5-2 mL per flush, adjusted based on catheter size and clinical need.
Infant:
1-3 mL per flush, adjusted based on catheter size and clinical need.
Child:
1-5 mL per flush, adjusted based on catheter size and clinical need.
Adolescent:
2-10 mL per flush, adjusted based on catheter size and clinical need.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment for flushing.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment for flushing, but monitor for signs of fluid overload if multiple flushes are administered.
Severe:
No specific adjustment for flushing, but monitor closely for fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances, especially if large volumes are inadvertently administered.
Dialysis:
No specific adjustment for flushing. Use as per standard protocol for catheter maintenance.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment for flushing.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment for flushing.
Severe:
No specific adjustment for flushing.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection is an isotonic solution with an osmolality of approximately 308 mOsm/L, similar to that of human plasma. As a flush, its primary mechanism is mechanical: it clears the lumen of intravenous catheters of residual blood, medication, or fibrin, thereby maintaining patency and preventing occlusion. It also provides a sterile, compatible medium for ensuring accurate drug delivery and preventing drug incompatibilities within the catheter.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
100% (intravenous, for systemic exposure if infused, but primarily local mechanical action for flush)
Tmax:
Not applicable (immediate local effect for flush)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.2 L/kg (distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space)
ProteinBinding:
Not protein bound
CnssPenetration:
Yes (freely crosses blood-brain barrier)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (ions are continuously regulated by renal and hormonal mechanisms)
Clearance:
Renal excretion (primarily)
ExcretionRoute:
Renal
Unchanged:
100% (ions)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (local mechanical effect)
PeakEffect:
Immediate (local mechanical effect)
DurationOfAction:
Brief (until next flush or medication administration; patency maintained until catheter occlusion occurs)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
It's common for medications to cause side effects, but many people either don't experience any or have only mild symptoms. If you're bothered by side effects or if they don't go away, contact your doctor for advice. Not all possible side effects are listed here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
It's common for medications to cause side effects, but many people either don't experience any or have only mild symptoms. If you're bothered by side effects or if they don't go away, contact your doctor for advice. Not all possible side effects are listed here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Pain, tenderness, or burning at the IV site
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the IV site
- Leakage of fluid from the IV site
- Pus or discharge from the IV site
- Fever or chills (could indicate an infection)
- If the IV line feels blocked or you cannot get blood return
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you must discuss this with your doctor. This conversation will help you understand the potential benefits and risks of taking this drug, both for you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
What to Do:
Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control). For systemic overdose (not typical for a flush), management involves discontinuing administration, correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and providing supportive care. For local extravasation, elevate the limb and apply warm or cold compresses as directed.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Catheter patency (blood return)
Rationale: To confirm proper catheter placement and function before flushing or administering medications.
Timing: Before each flush or medication administration.
IV site assessment (redness, swelling, pain)
Rationale: To identify signs of local irritation, infiltration, phlebitis, or infection.
Timing: Before each flush and regularly throughout therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Ease of flush (no resistance)
Frequency: With each flush
Target: Smooth, easy injection
Action Threshold: Resistance to flush, pain, or swelling; investigate for occlusion or malposition.
Absence of leakage at site
Frequency: With each flush
Target: No leakage
Action Threshold: Leakage indicates dislodgement or damage; secure or replace catheter.
Symptom Monitoring
- Pain or burning sensation at the IV insertion site
- Swelling or edema around the IV site
- Redness or warmth at the IV site
- Pus or discharge from the IV site
- Fever or chills (may indicate systemic infection)
- Inability to aspirate blood from the catheter
- Resistance when attempting to flush the catheter
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy as a flush. Sodium chloride is an isotonic solution, and systemic exposure from a small volume flush is minimal, posing no known significant risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Compatible with breastfeeding. Sodium chloride is a natural component of breast milk, and systemic absorption from a 5mL flush is negligible, posing no known risk to the nursing infant.
Infant Risk:
L1 (Safest)
Pediatric Use
Safe for use in pediatric patients. Dosing should be adjusted based on the child's size, catheter type, and clinical need (e.g., 0.5-5 mL per flush). Close monitoring for fluid balance is important in neonates and infants, though unlikely to be affected by flush volumes.
Geriatric Use
Safe for use in geriatric patients. No specific dose adjustment is typically required for flushing. Monitor for signs of fluid overload if multiple flushes are administered in patients with severe cardiac or renal impairment, although this is rare with 5mL flush volumes.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always use aseptic technique (e.g., scrub the hub) when accessing and flushing IV lines to prevent infection.
- Employ the 'SASH' method (Saline, Administer drug, Saline, Heparin if indicated) or 'SAS' (Saline, Administer drug, Saline) for medication administration through IV lines.
- Use a pulsatile (push-pause) flushing technique to create turbulence within the catheter lumen, which is more effective at dislodging debris and preventing biofilm formation.
- Ensure positive pressure technique (clamping the line while injecting the last 0.5 mL of flush) to prevent blood reflux into the catheter lumen upon syringe disconnection.
- Never force a flush if resistance is met; this could indicate an occlusion, catheter malposition, or extravasation. Investigate the cause before proceeding.
Alternative Therapies
- Heparin flush (historically used, but less common now for routine flushing due to risk of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) and no proven superiority over saline for routine patency maintenance in most peripheral and many central lines).
- Citrate lock solutions (primarily used for specific central venous catheters, especially dialysis catheters, to prevent clotting).
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$0.50 - $2.00 per 5 mL pre-filled syringe
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Typically covered as a medical supply or ancillary service when administered in a healthcare setting or as part of home health care.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your prescription medications with others, and do not take medications that have been prescribed to someone else.
Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of any unused or expired medications. Unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain. If you are unsure about the best method for disposing of medications, consult with your pharmacist, as they can provide guidance on safe disposal practices and inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist to see if this is the case. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the medication involved, including the amount taken and the time it was taken, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.
Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of any unused or expired medications. Unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain. If you are unsure about the best method for disposing of medications, consult with your pharmacist, as they can provide guidance on safe disposal practices and inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist to see if this is the case. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the medication involved, including the amount taken and the time it was taken, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.