(BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag) Solution for infusion

What is (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

(BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag) is a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution used for intravenous infusion. Each 100 ml bag contains 0.9 grams of sodium chloride dissolved in water, equating to an isotonic saline solution. It is commonly referred to as “normal saline” and serves multiple clinical functions ranging from fluid resuscitation to a carrier solution for compatible medications.

• Formulation: 0.9% sodium chloride in water for injection, presented in a Viaflo flexible container for easy administration.
• Electrolyte composition: Sodium 154 mmol/L, Chloride 154 mmol/L.
• Osmolality: Approximately 308 mOsm/L, making it isotonic with body fluids.
• Primary uses: Volume replacement in dehydration, electrolyte balance restoration, wound irrigation, and drug dilution or infusion.
• Manufacturer: Baxter, a trusted global leader in sterile infusion systems.

This product is suitable for use in adults and children under medical supervision and is widely used in hospitals, emergency departments, ICUs, and surgical settings.

How to use (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

The administration of (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v should follow strict aseptic techniques and be supervised by qualified healthcare professionals. The solution is intended for intravenous use only.

• Check the integrity: Ensure the Viaflo bag is intact, with no leakage, discoloration, or particles before use.
• Preparation: Do not introduce additives unless compatibility is known. If used, mix thoroughly under aseptic conditions.
• Infusion route: Administer through a sterile intravenous set using a peripheral or central vein as indicated.
• Infusion rate: Adjust according to clinical status, fluid needs, and patient age. Monitor electrolytes and fluid balance during infusion.
• For drug dilution: Use only if the added medication is compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride.

Discard any unused portion after single use. The bag is not intended for multi-dose or repeat use in different patients.

Mode of Action (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

The therapeutic effects of (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v result from its role as a key electrolyte replenishment and volume expander. Sodium and chloride are principal ions in extracellular fluid, essential for physiological homeostasis.

• Osmotic balance: As an isotonic solution, it maintains equilibrium between intracellular and extracellular compartments.
• Volume expansion: Restores circulating volume in cases of blood loss, dehydration, or hypotension.
• Nerve and muscle function: Sodium is vital for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction, including cardiac rhythms.
• Acid-base balance: Chloride plays a role in maintaining acid-base status via bicarbonate exchange.

When infused intravenously, the sodium and chloride ions rapidly distribute into the extracellular space, helping stabilize blood pressure, improve organ perfusion, and correct electrolyte imbalances.

(BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag) Interactions (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

Although sodium chloride itself is generally inert, it can affect or be affected by other medications or medical conditions. Awareness of interactions is essential for safe administration.

• Corticosteroids and NSAIDs: May increase sodium retention and counteract fluid therapy goals.
• Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop): Can cause imbalanced electrolyte shifts when combined with saline infusions.
• Antihypertensives: Excessive sodium chloride may blunt the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
• Lithium: Sodium levels influence lithium reabsorption; sodium fluctuations can lead to lithium toxicity or reduced efficacy.
• Other IV drugs: Additives must be evaluated for compatibility; mixing incompatible drugs may cause precipitation or inactivation.

Always review a patient’s complete medication list before initiating therapy and consult compatibility resources for co-infused drugs.

Dosage of (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

Dosage varies significantly depending on the indication, age, weight, and clinical condition of the patient. Standard practices involve individualized calculations based on ongoing losses, fluid needs, and laboratory values.

• Adults: 500 mL to 1000 mL infused at 20–50 mL/hour, adjusted per clinical condition (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia).
• Children: 20 mL/kg bolus for fluid resuscitation; maintenance fluid depends on age and weight (typically 4:2:1 rule).
• Geriatric: Lower rates may be required to avoid fluid overload; careful cardiac and renal monitoring is advised.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution; monitor input/output and electrolytes frequently to avoid volume overload or hypernatremia.

Infusion should be guided by ongoing assessment and relevant laboratory tests. Do not exceed rates that risk pulmonary edema or electrolyte imbalance.

Possible side effects of (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

While generally safe when administered correctly, (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v can lead to adverse effects, especially if overused or administered too rapidly.

• Common adverse effects: Fluid overload, peripheral edema, or mild hypertension.
• Electrolyte disturbances: Hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, and related metabolic acidosis.
• Injection site reactions: Localized irritation, redness, or vein inflammation (phlebitis).
• Serious risks: Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, especially in elderly or renal-impaired patients.
• Neurological symptoms: Headache, confusion, convulsions may occur with rapid or excessive infusion in susceptible patients.

Prompt monitoring and intervention are crucial if side effects occur. Report any breathing difficulty, swelling, or unusual fatigue to a healthcare provider immediately.

(BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag) Contraindications (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

This solution should not be used in certain medical conditions unless strictly indicated. Misuse in such scenarios can lead to significant harm.

• Hypernatremia or hyperchloremia: May worsen electrolyte disturbances.
• Severe renal impairment or anuria: Risk of volume overload and hypervolemia-related complications.
• Congestive heart failure (CHF): Excessive volume can precipitate cardiac decompensation.
• Edematous states: Including cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome, where fluid retention is a concern.
• Pulmonary edema: Risk of worsening respiratory function due to volume overload.

Use should be guided by a risk-benefit analysis in patients with borderline contraindications, and constant monitoring is essential.

Storage of (BAXTER) Sodium Chloride 0.9% w/v (Viaflo bag)

Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintaining the sterility, efficacy, and safety of this infusion solution.

• Temperature: Store at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C.
• Protection: Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
• Container integrity: Do not use if the Viaflo bag is punctured, leaking, or discolored.
• Shelf life: Refer to the manufacturer’s label for the expiration date. Do not use beyond the indicated date.
• Post-opening: Single-use only. Discard any unused portion after opening to prevent microbial contamination.

Follow local guidelines for disposal of unused or expired medical fluids to ensure safety and environmental protection.