Lactated Ringer’s: What It Is and When It's Used in Medical Settings

Have you ever been treated for dehydration? If so, you might be like the American children and adults whose water intake is significantly low. Hence, dehydration is inevitable for some. To manage the condition, healthcare providers infuse lactated Ringer’s solution as it contains the essential salts and ions to shift the fluid balance back to normal. But what is lactated Ringer’s solution, and in which ways is it used within healthcare facilities?

Lactated Ringer’s solution can treat hypotension and dehydration

In this article, we will explore the lactated Ringer’s solution and its applications in medical settings. Additionally, some well-known intravenous solution brands are listed for the reader’s convenience.

What is Lactated Ringer’s Solution?

Lactated Ringer’s (LR) solution, also known as Ringer’s lactate solution (RL), sodium lactate solution, as well as Hartmann’s solution, is an intravenous (IV) solution used to replace the electrolytes and fluid balance in the body, which has been lost either due to dehydration or hypotension (low blood pressure).

This is a sterile and non-pyrogenic solution and, therefore, can be used to flush the wounds as well. In addition, the lactated Ringer’s solution is also employed for the treatment of metabolic acidosis.

Composition of Lactated Ringer’s Solution

The composition of the lactated Ringer’s solution is simple, as it contains chloride salts in addition to sodium lactate and water. The exact composition is as follows, based on the data reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

Ingredients	Concentration (g/L)
Sodium Chloride, USP, (NaCl)	6
Potassium Chloride, USP, (KCl)	3.1
Calcium Chloride, USP, (CaCl₂.2H₂O)	0.3
Sodium Lactate, (C₃H₅NaO₃)	0.2

Characteristics of Lactated Ringer’s Solution

Some of the other characteristics of the lactated Ringer’s solution include the following:

Features	Values
pH	6.5 (6.0 to 7.5)
Osmolarity (mOsmol/L)	273
Calorie Content (kcal/L)	9

Ionic Species	Ionic Concentration (mEq/L)
Sodium	130
Potassium	4
Calcium	2.7
Chloride	109
Lactate	28

Lactated Ringer’s solution can act as a vehicle for medications

Uses of Lactated Ringer’s Solution in Medical Settings

When it comes to learning about the uses of lactated Ringer’s solution in medical setups, there are numerous. Some of these applications are as follows:

Fluid Resuscitation

In case of a major surgery or trauma, the loss of blood volume is common. This can be due to blood loss or after severe burns. As a result, blood pressure also lowers. To quickly restore this lost balance, the infusion of lactated Ringer’s solution is prescribed.

Electrolyte Replenishment

Another advantage of lactated Ringer’s solution is its application in the replenishment of essential electrolytes, which are lost due to dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. This way, the normal balance of sodium and potassium ions, among others, is restored.

Management of Metabolic Acidosis

The lactated Ringer’s solution, USP, also has an alkalinizing effect. This is because once it is injected, the lactate ions present in the solution are metabolized. As a result of these metabolic reactions, water and carbon dioxide are formed. During this process, hydrogen cations are consumed, which leads to the shifting of the acidosis state to an alkaline one.

Wound Irrigation

Another use of lactated Ringer’s solution is that it can be employed as an irrigation solution to clean the wounded tissues. Particularly, the solution is preferred for flushing wounds that occur due to chemical burns.

Vehicle for Medications

In addition, like other intravenous solutions, the lactated Ringer’s solution can also act as a vehicle to carry and deliver medications to the patient’s body. However, in the case of the following medications, the use of lactated Ringer’s solution is not recommended due to its improper mixing with the drugs. Rather, normal saline should be preferred:

Propranolol
Norepinephrine
Nitroprusside
Nitroglycerin
Methylprednisolone

Contraindications

Despite its benefits and safety, the lactated Ringer’s solution is not suitable for everyone. The FDA has advised against using the solution among the following patients:

Newborns who are either 28 days of age or less should not be administered lactated Ringer’s solution infusion if they are on treatment with ceftriaxone. This is due to a possible risk of ceftriaxone-calcium salt precipitation in the bloodstream. Keep in mind that both the medication and the lactated Ringer’s solution cannot be given even when separate infusion lines are employed.
Newborns over the age of 28 days, as well as adults who are receiving ceftriaxone treatment and lactated Ringer’s solution through the same infusion line, are also at risk. Therefore, this practice is contraindicated. However, the administration can be carried on if the infusion line is thoroughly flushed after the administration of one solution.
In patients who have a known hypersensitivity to sodium lactate, the use of lactated Ringer’s solution is contraindicated.

Lactated Ringer’s solution is the preferred treatment for dehydration

Using Lactated Ringer’s Solution: Warnings

Before using lactated Ringer’s solution, one must always look into the warnings related to these substances given by the FDA. These warnings are about the following practices:

Treatment of Severe Hypokalemia

Using lactated Ringer’s solution for the treatment of severe hypokalemia (extremely low levels of potassium in the body) is not recommended. This is because the concentration of potassium in lactated Ringer’s solution is similar to that present in the plasma. Therefore, in case of a severe deficiency, lactated Ringer’s solution cannot replenish the lost potassium levels.

Hypersensitivity Reaction

In case of a hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis upon the administration of lactated Ringer’s solution, stop the infusion immediately and take recommended countermeasures.

Hyponatremia

While using lactated Ringer’s solution, keep in mind that it can cause hyponatremia or low levels of sodium in the body. If the condition persists, acute hyponatremic encephalopathy can occur with symptoms including headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy, and vomiting.

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia or increased potassium levels in the body are caused by the infusion of all the solutions that contain potassium, including lactated Ringer’s solution. Patients dealing with severe renal impairment, acute dehydration, congestive heart failure, burns, or extensive tissue injury are at higher risk of this condition.

Overdosage of Lactated Ringer’s Solution

In case of an overdose of lactated Ringer’s solution, USP, the following complications occur:

Hyperkalemia (especially in patients with severe renal impairment)
Hypernatremia (especially in patients with severe renal impairment)
Metabolic alkalosis with or without hypokalemia
Fluid overload (that progresses into peripheral and/or pulmonary edema)
Hypercalcemia (higher levels of calcium in the body)
Loss of bicarbonate with acidifying effect

Different types of IV solutions are necessary in healthcare facilities

All intravenous solutions are sterile and non-pyrogenic

Intravenous Solutions at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Lactated Ringer’s solution is one of the intravenous solutions that are widely used in healthcare. This is employed for the treatment of dehydration as well as other medical conditions that require a restoration of the lost electrolyte balance.

When it comes to learning about lactated Ringer’s and other IV solutions, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

ICU Medical Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP, 1000 mL (12/Cs)

Product Details

ICU Medical lactated Ringer’s injection, USP, comes in a 1000 ml package. The product contains an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, as well as sodium lactate, which is employed for the replenishment of lost electrolytes from the body.

Moreover, these ICU Medical lactated Ringer’s injections come in flexible plastic containers that contain PVC and DEHP. Therefore, caution should be practiced while using these lactated solutions in patients who are sensitive to these allergens.

B. Braun L7500 Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV 1000 mL CS/12

B. Braun L7500: Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV 1000 mL CS/12

US$89.88

Product Details

Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solution is one of the most widely used intravenous solutions in medical settings. It contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, as well as sodium lactate in specified concentrations, mixed in water to form a solution.

Moreover, these B. Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solutions are sterile and non-pyrogenic. The absence of any bacteriostatic or antimicrobial agent renders them safer, especially for people with a weak immune system.

In addition, these B. Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solutions can be employed for pediatric as well as adult patients for the treatment of dehydration and other conditions. The plastic bag that is used to store the solution is also free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP).

B. Braun L8000 Replacement Preparation Sodium Chloride, Preservative Free 0.9% IV Solution Flexible Bag 1,000 mL 12 EA/CA

US$99.88

Product Details

When it comes to learning about intravenous solutions that are employed for replenishing the lost electrolytes, these B. Braun L8000 replacement preparations are one of the most widely used items. The composition of these solutions is simple and is based on a solution of sodium chloride in water at a strength of 0.9%.

Moreover, these B. Braun L8000 replacement preparations are free from any preservatives that could initiate a hypersensitivity reaction in some patients. To further increase their safety, the solution is packed in a latex-free plastic bag that keeps it protected.

B. Braun L5101 Dextrose Water 5% IV Fluid Flexible Bag 500 mL CS/24

Product Details

Braun L5101 dextrose water 5% is a hydrating solution that is employed to provide calories to patients dealing with dehydration and low glucose levels. In addition, these solutions can also deal with electrolyte imbalance.

Moreover, these B. Braun L5101 dextrose water 5% solutions come in a flexible plastic bag that has a capacity of 500 ml.

Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS

US$579.88

Product Details

Grifols 729620 IV injection solutions are sodium chloride-based products in a concentration of 0.9%. Due to the absence of preservatives, these products are safe for people who may be hypersensitive to them. Moreover, the packaging of these solutions does not contain PVC or DEHP and is, therefore, safe.

Furthermore, these Grifols 729620 IV injection solutions come in a flexible plastic bag that has a capacity of 500 ml and is disposable. The product is also free from natural rubber latex. In addition, the product is sterile as well.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

Lactated Ringer’s solution is ideal for treating metabolic acidosis

The lactated Ringer’s and other IV solutions mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of IV solutions.

Conclusion

Dehydration is one of the common issues among youth and adults alike. The condition occurs mostly due to lower water intake, which leads to an imbalance of essential electrolytes. To manage the condition, healthcare providers prefer to infuse lactated Ringer’s solution due to its composition.

However, despite the benefits of lactated Ringer’s solution in treating dehydration, delivering medications, managing metabolic acidosis, and wound irrigation, the solution has some contraindications as well. Overall, the lactated Ringer’s solution is one of the most useful intravenous products in the medical field, but, like other IV solutions, its applications are limited due to the possible side effects.

Considering their importance, lactated Ringer’s and other IV solutions should be kept in healthcare facilities to ease medical procedures. For purchasing different types of intravenous solutions, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.