Sodium chloride
Also known as: Aqupharm · Vetivex · Normal Saline · NaCl
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intravenous fluid replacement (including hypercalcaemia or hyperchloraemic alkalosis) | Dose not specified in monograph | IV | As directed | As needed | 🌍 EU |
| Shock (rapid blood volume expansion) | Rate must not exceed 1 ml/kg/min | IV | As directed | Preoperative period or acute crisis | 🌍 EU |
| Corneal oedema | Dose not specified in monograph | Topical | As directed | As needed | 🌍 EU |
| Hypoadrenocorticism (long-term management) | Dose not specified in monograph | PO | As directed | Long-term | 🌍 EU |
- Intravenous fluid replacement (including hypercalcaemia or hyperchloraemic alkalosis): Treatment of choice for hypercalcaemia or hyperchloraemic alkalosis.
- Shock (rapid blood volume expansion): Use hypertonic saline. Must monitor serum sodium and follow with isotonic crystalloid.
- Corneal oedema: Use 5% hypertonic ophthalmic ointment.
- Hypoadrenocorticism (long-term management): Enteric-coated products may have unpredictable efficacy in dogs.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intravenous fluid replacement | Dose not specified in monograph | IV | As directed | As needed | 🌍 EU |
| Shock (rapid blood volume expansion) | Rate must not exceed 1 ml/kg/min | IV | As directed | Preoperative period or acute crisis | 🌍 EU |
| Corneal oedema | Dose not specified in monograph | Topical | As directed | As needed | 🌍 EU |
- Intravenous fluid replacement: Treatment of choice for hypercalcaemia or hyperchloraemic alkalosis.
- Shock (rapid blood volume expansion): Use hypertonic saline. Must monitor serum sodium and follow with isotonic crystalloid.
- Corneal oedema: Use 5% hypertonic ophthalmic ointment.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Sodium chloride is a fundamental crystalloid fluid used in veterinary medicine for fluid replacement, electrolyte balance, and as a drug diluent. It is available in hypotonic, isotonic (normal saline), and hypertonic formulations.
Clinical Pearl: Hypertonic saline is a potent volume expander used in shock but requires careful monitoring of serum sodium levels and follow-up with isotonic fluids.
Mechanism of action
Isotonic and hypertonic formulations expand plasma volume and replace lost extracellular fluid. Hypotonic formulations provide free water and may promote oedema formation.
When used for fluid replacement, NaCl (0.45% and 0.9%) will expand the plasma volume compartment. → Compared with colloids, 2.5 to 3.0 times as much fluid must be given because the crystalloid is distributed to other fluid compartments.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Dehydrated animals (Hypertonic saline)
- Hypovolaemic animals (Hypotonic solutions)
Adverse effects
- Peripheral oedema
- Hyperchloraemic acidosis (especially in compromised patients)
- Vagally mediated bradycardia (if hypertonic saline is administered >1 ml/kg/min)
- Stinging sensation (ophthalmic ointment)
Precautions
Warning: Hypertonic saline solutions have very high sodium concentrations. Monitor serum sodium concentrations before and after administration. Maintenance with an isotonic crystalloid is usually required after administration to correct electrolyte and fluid disturbances.
Safety and handling: Hypertonic saline solutions should be regarded as drugs, not standard IV fluids, and stored separately to prevent confusion.
Clinical Pearl: Enteric-coated products for oral use may not be adequately absorbed by dogs, leading to unpredictable efficacy. Normal saline contains higher amounts of chloride than plasma, increasing the risk of acidosis.
Monitoring
- Serum sodium concentrations (especially before and after hypertonic saline)
- Acid-base status (monitor for acidosis)
- Heart rate (monitor for bradycardia during rapid hypertonic infusion)
- Hydration status and fluid balance
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Enteric-coated oral products may not be adequately absorbed by dogs, leading to unpredictable efficacy.
Distribution
Crystalloids distribute widely into extracellular fluid compartments; 2.5 to 3.0 times as much fluid must be given compared to colloids to achieve the same plasma volume expansion.
Overdose
Excessive administration of normal saline can increase the risk of hyperchloraemic acidosis and peripheral oedema. Administration of hypertonic saline at fluid rates >1 ml/kg/min can cause a vagally mediated bradycardia.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: 0.45% to 7% NaCl solutions
- Injectable: 0.18% NaCl with 4% glucose
- Injectable: 0.9% NaCl with 5% glucose
- Oral: 300 mg, 600 mg tablets
- Ophthalmic: 5% ointment (compounded)
Veterinary
- Aqupharm
- Vetivex
Human-labeled
- Hypertonic saline
- Sodium chloride
Regulatory status
POM-V classification
POM-V classification
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Hypertonic saline solutions should be stored separately from standard intravenous fluids to prevent accidental confusion and administration.
Client information
Sodium chloride (saline) is commonly used to rehydrate pets, treat shock, or manage specific eye conditions. If your pet is prescribed oral salt tablets or eye ointment, follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. The eye ointment may cause a mild, temporary stinging sensation. Ensure your pet always has access to fresh drinking water.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.