Indications
Ringer’s Lactate Solution (also called Hartmann’s solution or compound Sodium Lactate) is an intravenous (IV) fluid. It is used to replace lost body water and salts, for example after blood or fluid loss in surgery, injury, burns, dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting, and in shock, and to keep a patient hydrated during and after operations.
How It Works
The solution contains water with Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride and Lactate in amounts close to those in blood plasma. It refills the fluid in the blood vessels and tissues and restores the salt balance. The liver turns the Lactate into bicarbonate, which helps correct mild acidity of the blood.
Dosage and Administration
It is given into a vein through a drip by a doctor or nurse. The amount and speed are as prescribed and depend on the patient’s age, weight, condition, blood pressure, urine output and blood test results.
Interactions
- Because it contains Calcium, it should not be given through the same line as Ceftriaxone in newborns, or mixed with blood for transfusion, as deposits or clots can form.
- Care is needed with medicines that raise potassium (such as Spironolactone or ACE inhibitors) and with Digoxin, because of its Potassium and Calcium content.
- Some medicines are not compatible when mixed in the bag; the nurse or pharmacist checks this.
Contraindications
- Fluid overload, severe heart failure or fluid in the lungs.
- High blood potassium or calcium, or severe kidney failure with little urine.
- Lactic acidosis or severe liver failure (the Lactate cannot be processed).
Side Effects
When given correctly it is usually well tolerated. Problems can include pain, swelling or redness at the drip site, vein irritation, and fluid overload causing swelling of the legs or breathlessness. Salt imbalances can occur, so blood tests may be done. Allergic reactions are rare.
Get urgent medical help (tell the nurse at once) if there is breathlessness, chest tightness, swelling of the face, rash, a racing heartbeat, or severe pain or swelling at the drip site.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It can be used in pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding when needed, under medical supervision with careful monitoring of fluid balance.
Precautions and Warnings
- Used with care in heart, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure and in older people.
- Not ideal for severe head injury or certain metabolic conditions; the doctor chooses the best fluid.
- Use only if the solution is clear and the bag is undamaged.
Overdose
Too much fluid can cause swelling, high blood pressure, breathlessness and salt imbalance. The drip is stopped and the patient is treated, sometimes with diuretics.
Therapeutic Class
Intravenous fluid, electrolyte replacement solution.
Storage
Store below 30°C; do not freeze. Hospital product: store as directed on the pack. Keep 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.