PRACTICAL#03

PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION OF NORMAL SALINE

What is Sodium Chloride?

Sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt, is an essential compound our body uses

to: absorb and transport nutrients, maintain blood pressure, and maintain the right balance of

fluid. When levels are too high, our brains are stimulated to make us thirsty. We drink more and

excrete more urine, through which the body expels excess salt.

What is Saline Solution?

Saline (also known as saline solution) is a mixture of sodium

chloride (salt) and water. Saline is in the crystalloid family of

medications (Crystalloids are aqueous solutions of mineral

salts or other water-soluble molecules). Normal saline is the

commonly used term for a solution of 0.9% w/v NaCl (9 g of

salt per litre (0.9%) solution). Higher and lower

concentrations may also occasionally be used. Saline is acidic,

with a pH of 5.5 (due mainly to dissolved carbon dioxide). Saline solution is stored in plastic

bottle with tamper-proof seal and available in 250ml, 500ml and 1,000ml.

Uses of Normal Saline:

 For medical purposes, saline is often used to flush wounds and skin abrasions. However,

research indicates that it is no more effective than potable tap water.] Normal saline will

not burn or sting when applied.

  Saline is also used in I.V. therapy, intravenously supplying extra water to rehydrate

people or supplying the daily water and salt needs ("maintenance" needs) of a person

who is unable to take them by mouth

 Saline is also often used for nasal washes to relieve some of the symptoms

of rhinitis and the common cold. The solution exerts a softening and loosening influence

on the mucus to make it easier to wash out and clear the nasal passages for both

babies and adults.

What Are Side Effects of Normal Saline?

Common side effects of Normal Saline include:

 Fever,
 Injection site swelling,
 Redness, or
 Infection.

Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Normal Saline including:

 Fast heartbeat,
 Fever,
 Rash,
 Joint pain, or
 Shortness of breath.

Dosage for Normal Saline

Dosage of Normal Saline is dependent upon the age, weight and clinical condition of the
patient as well as laboratory determinations

Precautions:
  Care is required when administering Normal saline vial 5ml in patients with restricted

salt intake.

 Use Normal saline vial 5ml cautiously in patients with hypokalemia or hypocalcemia.

 Use Normal saline vial 5ml with great caution in renal compromised patients or patients

with less urinary output.

Materials Required:

Chemicals:

 Sodium chloride

 Distilled water

Glass-ware/Plastic-ware:

 Beaker

 Measuring cylinder

Apparatus:

 Weighing balance

Preparation methods:

Nasal Saline Preparation at Lab:

1. Dissolve 9 g NaCl (mw 58.44) in 700 ml deionized or distilled water in clean container.

2. Add water to bring total solution volume to 1000 ml.

3. Make 10 ml aliquots in sterile 15 ml culture tubes.

Normal Saline Preparation at Home:

At home, it can be made by combining ½ teaspoon of common salt with one cup of purified

water at room temperature.