SODIUM LACTATE COMPOUND

Intravenous replacement fluid for replacing loss of blood, plasma, and other extracellular fluids. Commonly known as Ringer’s Lactate or Hartmann’s Solution

Dosage Forms

Solution for infusion

Sodium chloride 0.6%
Sodium lactate 0.32%
Potassium chloride 0.04%
Calcium chloride 0.027%

Uses

  • Correcting severe dehydration
  • Correcting water, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances
  • Shock and hypovolaemia

Dose and Duration

Severe dehydration

Adult: 0.5–1 L by infusion in the 1ˢᵗ hour and not more than 2–3 L in 4 hours.

Child >1 year: 30 ml/kg over the first 30 minutes, then 70 ml/kg over the next 2½ hours.

Child <1 year: 30 ml/kg over 1 hour, then 70 ml/kg over the next 5 hours.

Reassess rehydration status and continue treatment Plan A, B, or C as necessary (see under ORS).

Shock

Give 20 ml/kg by fast IV infusion (over 60 minutes).

Blood loss

Always give 3 times the estimated fluid loss. Only use if fluid loss does not exceed 1500 ml and there is no cardiac or renal impairment.

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance (alternating with 5% glucose)

Infusion given over 1–2 hours.

Adult: 1 L/day.

Child: 50 ml/day.

Duration is according to patient's condition.

Contra-indications

  • Metabolic and respiratory alkalosis
  • Hypocalcaemia
  • Hypochlorhydria

Side Effects

  • Oedema
  • Metabolic alkalosis on excessive administration

Pregnancy

  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

  • Monitor electrolytes and plasma pH
  • Always examine each bottle against light for clearness. Discard any bottle with particles or cloudiness
  • Risk of pulmonary oedema and sodium retention if infusion given too rapidly or when excessive amounts are given
  • In metabolic acidosis, sodium lactate may cause lactic acidosis especially in seriously ill patients with poor tissue perfusion or impaired hepatic function. Use sodium bicarbonate instead