This article discusses the difference between lactated Ringer’s and saline.
It is also used in people with severe blood loss or burns.
It contains water and electrolytes to restore lost fluids.
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It should not be swallowed, however.
Lactated Ringer’s solution and saline solution are often used interchangeably in IVs.
When Is it Better to Use Lactated Ringers?
Lactated Ringer’s is often recommended over saline solution for fluid resuscitation.
Normal saline dilates blood vessels, raises blood potassium levels, and can increase the risk of metabolic acidosis.
When Is It Better to Use Normal Saline?
Lactated Ringer’s solution doesn’t mix well with certain drugs intended for intravenous use.
These include:
For these medications, a standard saline solution is safer.
Injection site pain is the most common side effect.
Very rarely a person will have an allergic reaction to Ringer’s.
Careful consideration should also be made for people with heart or kidney disease.
Saline solution contains water and 0.9% sodium chloride (salt).
Lactated Ringer’s has water, sodium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride.
Lactated Ringer’s is often recommended over saline solution for treating dehydration.
In those instances, saline is preferred over lactated Ringer’s solution.
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Jackson, WY: Teton NewsMedia.
