11.e • Hypertonic (5%) saline
Drug notes
Osmotic fluid

Use
Indications
• Emergency reduction in raised intracranial pressure in acute head injury
• Pupil asymmetry in the context of an acute head injury in an anaesthetised patient


Cautions
• Should be carefully distinguished from other IV fluids, particularly normal saline
• Take care with different % hypertonic saline solutions
• Preferably given through a large peripheral line
Dose
Adults: 100ml bolus • Children: 2ml/kg bolus to a maximum of 100ml
Dose may be repeated after advice
Special groups
• Safe in elderly patients
• Unknown safety in pregnancy
Side effects
• No regular immediate side effects
Presentation
500ml bag/polyfusor of clear solution
Administration
Single bolus IV or IO using 50ml syringe


Drug information
Not a controlled drug
Can be kept at room temperature

Further information
BNF: no information