What is “Normal Saline” and How is it Used in IV Therapy

Let’s discuss what a normal saline solution contains, how it compares to other IV treatments, and how to know if a person should get normal saline or a vitamin IV treatment. We will also explain the types of vitamins used in vitamin IV therapy and how they are beneficial to your body.

What is Normal Saline Solution and what does it Contain?

Normal saline is a crystalloid fluid, an aqueous solution containing minerals (such as sodium and chloride), and other water-soluble molecules that can crystalize, but can also move through cell membranes when in liquid form. It is administered through an intravenous (IV) drip. Normal saline can be used for both adults and children.

Normal saline is also often used in combination with other liquid IV ingredients. It is available in several different concentrations, but two of the most common are 0.9% NaCl and half normal saline or 0.45% NaCl.

Normal saline can only be administered through an IV. The concentration and dosage you are given depend on several factors, including your weight, age, health conditions, and lab test results.

Is Normal Saline Solution Isotonic?

An isotonic solution contains an electrolyte balance similar to plasma in the bloodstream. When an isotonic solution is administered, the fluid volume of the patient is increased without a fluid shift, meaning there will be no osmosis. The most common type of isotonic fluid is normal saline, to be precise, its purpose is to increase extracellular fluid volume, without interrupting intracellular fluid volume balance. Normal saline solution contains water and the same concentration of sodium and chloride (154 mEq/L) as the usual concentration of sodium and chloride in the intravascular space. When administered through IV drip therapy it gives zero calories to the patient.

What is Normal Saline Used For?

The most common use for normal saline solution is to hydrate the body and provide electrolytes (sodium and chloride ions). It can also treat:

• hypovolemia
• hemorrhage
• sepsis
• mild sodium depletion
• and metabolic alkalosis.

It is also used before hemodialysis treatments and before and after blood transfusions.

Possible Side Effects of Normal Saline IV Treatment

You may not be eligible for normal saline treatment if you have kidney problems such as kidney injury or kidney disease. Normal saline should only be used in minimal doses and under strict supervision if you have congestive heart failure. If you experience fluid overload because of a normal saline IV, it can cause life-threatening pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in your lungs). It can also make diastolic or systolic heart failure worse, and this can lead to end-stage organ damage or even death.

Secondary (solution or technique of administration) side effects include:

• hypervolemia
• febrile response
• venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection
• infection at the site of injection
• and extravasation.

These secondary side effects are especially rare when used by a trained medical professional and may occur in any IV treatment.

How Does Normal Saline IV Treatment Compare to Vitamin IV Therapy?

While the most common reason to administer a (standard) normal saline IV drip is to hydrate cells and deliver electrolytes, vitamin IV therapy have other purposes. The purpose of a vitamin IV therapy varies depending on the type you choose. For example, if you choose our Recovery Vitamin IV Treatment, your IV drip will contain B complex vitamins, vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, lipostat plus, and a glutathione push.

How do I Know if I Should Get Normal Saline or a Vitamin IV?

As stated above, you should not use or be given pure saline if you have heart or kidney problems. This is because the salt in this IV solution can cause fluid retention or fluid overload that can worsen heart failure and lead to organ failure.

At Drip Hydration, we offer several at-home IV treatments that hydrate and provide electrolytes, just as normal saline does, but without the saline. This is a safer option for people with congestive heart failure and kidney problems such as kidney injury or kidney disease.

What Types of Vitamins are Used in Vitamin IV Therapy?

All of our IV treatments (except our Dehydration IV treatment) include some combination of the following vitamins: B-complex vitamins, vitamin B12, biotin (a B vitamin), and/or vitamin C.

B-complex vitamins have been shown to reduce stress and fatigue, boost mood, improve cognitive function, and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. A study of 215 healthy men found that taking a high-dose B-complex and mineral supplement each day for 33 days led to better mental health, less anxiety, and improved performance in cognitive tests. A study done with young adults found that taking a multivitamin with a high dose of B-complex vitamins each day for 90 days lessened stress and mental fatigue.

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is a vitamin that your body needs in order to function, but your body cannot produce vitamin B12. Your body uses vitamin B12 to support nerve cell function, form red blood cells (thereby preventing anemia), and synthesize your DNA. Vitamin B12 may also prevent major birth defects. Studies have indicated that it also may improve the health of your bones and prevent osteoporosis. It could also reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. Like other B vitamins, vitamin B12 may also reduce symptoms of depression and boost energy. Finally, vitamin B12 can prevent the loss of brain neurons.

Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) helps your body break down food and turn it into energy. It is found in some foods but can also be taken as an oral or IV supplement. It helps promote the health of your nervous system, liver, eyes, hair, and skin.

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) protects your immune system and decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease, prenatal health issues, eye diseases and prevents the wrinkling of your skin.

Contact us at Drip Hydration today if you would like to get a free consultation and schedule an IV treatment.

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