Indications
Cholera Saline is an intravenous (IV) rehydration fluid used in hospitals to treat severe dehydration caused by cholera and other severe watery diarrhoea, when a patient has lost so much fluid that drinking oral rehydration solution (ORS) is not enough or not possible. It contains Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and a bicarbonate or acetate source in water, designed to replace the water, salts and base lost in watery stools. It is given only by a doctor or nurse.
How It Works
Cholera and similar infections cause rapid loss of water, sodium, potassium and bicarbonate in the stool. This leads to shock, muscle cramps, weakness and acid build-up in the blood. Cholera Saline replaces these losses directly into the bloodstream: sodium and water restore blood volume and pressure, potassium prevents dangerous low potassium, and bicarbonate or acetate corrects the acid build-up (acidosis).
Dosage and Administration
It is given into a vein as a fast drip at first in severe dehydration, then slower, under close medical monitoring. The volume and speed are set by the doctor according to body weight, age, degree of dehydration and ongoing losses. ORS by mouth is started as soon as the patient can drink. Feeding, and breastfeeding for babies, should continue.
Interactions
Medicines that raise potassium, such as Spironolactone, ACE inhibitors like Enalapril, and potassium supplements, may increase the risk of high potassium. The medical team will check all medicines and blood tests.
Contraindications
- High blood potassium or sodium.
- Fluid overload, severe heart failure or lung swelling.
- Kidney failure with little or no urine, unless the doctor decides otherwise.
- Metabolic alkalosis (too little acid in the blood).
Side Effects
If given too fast or in too large an amount, it can cause swelling around the eyes or legs, breathlessness and salt imbalance. Pain, redness or swelling can occur where the drip enters the vein.
Tell the nurse or doctor at once, or get urgent help, if there is breathlessness, puffy eyes or face, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, confusion, or pain and swelling at the drip site.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed to treat severe dehydration, under medical supervision. Breastfeeding should continue during illness.
Precautions and Warnings
- Used with care in heart, kidney or lung disease, and in severely malnourished children, who need special rehydration plans.
- Urine output, body weight, pulse and blood salts are monitored.
- Use only if the solution is clear and the container is undamaged.
- Good hand washing and safe water help prevent cholera spread.
Overdose
Too much fluid can cause fluid overload, lung swelling and salt imbalance. It is managed in hospital by slowing or stopping the infusion and treating the effects.
Therapeutic Class
IV rehydration and electrolyte replacement solution.
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually below 30°C, away from light; do not freeze. Kept by hospitals and clinics, out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.