HS

Indications

Hartmann's Solution, also called Compound Sodium Lactate or Ringer's Lactate, is a sterile intravenous fluid. It is used in hospital to replace fluid and body salts lost through dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, burns, bleeding or surgery, to maintain fluid balance during and after operations, and to help correct mild metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood).

How It Works

The solution contains sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and lactate in amounts close to those in normal blood plasma. It refills the fluid in and around the blood vessels, restoring blood volume and blood pressure. The lactate is converted by the liver into bicarbonate, a natural buffer that helps reduce excess acid in the blood.

Dosage and Administration

Given only by a doctor or nurse as an intravenous infusion. The volume and speed are decided by the doctor according to the patient's age, weight, clinical condition and blood test results, and are given as prescribed.

Interactions

• The calcium in the solution can react with Ceftriaxone and form deposits; they must not be given together through the same line, and in newborns not at all within 48 hours of each other.
• Blood should not be given through the same line because calcium can cause clotting.
• Medicines that raise potassium (such as Spironolactone or ACE inhibitors) and Digoxin need extra care.
• The hospital team checks compatibility before adding any drug to the bag.

Contraindications

• Fluid overload, severe heart failure or fluid in the lungs
• High blood potassium, calcium or sodium
• Lactic acidosis or severe liver failure (the liver cannot convert lactate)
• Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis
• Newborns receiving Ceftriaxone

Side Effects

• Pain, redness or swelling at the infusion site
• Fluid overload with swelling or breathlessness
• Changes in blood salt levels
• Rarely, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, chest tightness or low blood pressure

Tell the nurse or doctor at once if you feel short of breath, have chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, marked swelling, a rash or swelling of the face, or pain at the drip site.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Hartmann's Solution is widely used during pregnancy, labour, caesarean section and breastfeeding when a doctor considers it necessary. Fluid and salt levels are monitored.

Precautions and Warnings

• Blood salts, acid balance and fluid status are monitored during treatment.
• Extra care in kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure and older people.
• It is not suitable for treating lactic acidosis.
• Use only a clear solution from an undamaged container.

Overdose

Giving too much can cause fluid overload, swelling, breathlessness, high blood pressure and salt imbalance or alkalosis. The infusion is stopped and the medical team corrects the problem.

Therapeutic Class

Intravenous fluid, electrolyte and fluid replacement (balanced crystalloid)

Storage

Hospital product: store as directed on the pack, usually below 30°C. Do not freeze. Use only if the solution is clear and the container intact; discard any unused portion.