Electrolyte Solutions

What are Electrolyte Solutions?
Electrolyte Solutions are used to maintain hydration or to rehydrate animals in many situations including the treatment of shock, decreased oral fluid intake, and to replace fluids lost due to an illness such as kidney disease.

Who are they for?
These solutions are for multiple species including dogs and cats.

What are the benefits?

How do Electrolyte Solutions work?
Electrolyte Solutions work to restore proper balance of electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, etc.) in the body, so that important actions like muscle contraction and nerve activity can take place. They also supply additional water that the body needs when oral fluid intake is not sufficient.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
These are generic products.

How are they given?
Electrolyte Solutions are given intravenously or subcutaneously.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Electrolyte Solutions will help to maintain hydration, but especially in chronic disease conditions will need to be given on a regular basis, or dehydration will recur. The amount to give and how often to give it will depend upon the pet's response to treatment and the severity of the disease.

What form(s) do they come in?
Each of these solutions comes in an injectable liquid form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Lactated Ringer's Injection (LRS)
Sodium Chloride Injection
Normosol R

Pronunciation
e-LECK-troe-lite sah-LOO-shun

Common Drug Name
Injectable Electrolyte Solutions

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Electrolyte Solutions?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition. Have your veterinarian or veterinary staff show you how to properly administer the solution.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, contact your veterinarian.

What is the most important information I should know?
Use a sterile needle and proper technique when giving the Electrolyte Solutions. The amount and frequency of administration will be determined by your veterinarian and is dependent upon your pet's response to the treatment.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to any of the ingredients. Use with extreme care in animals with heart disease, kidney disease, or obstruction of the urinary tract, since overhydration may more easily occur in these animals (see Signs of Toxicity/Overdose). Not to be used in animals whose kidneys are not producing urine.

What side effects may be seen when taking Electrolyte Solutions?
Side effects are unlikely if the proper dose is given.

Abscesses or infection may occur at the injection site if a sterile needle and proper technique were not used during administration. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store in a manufacturer's packaging at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If an animal becomes overhydrated (too much fluid is given), blood potassium levels may become too low, causing muscle and heart abnormalities. Signs may include weakness, constipation, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. Overhydration may also cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and increase the workload for the heart. Signs may include increased or rapid breathing, coughing, or wheezing.

If you notice any of these signs, stop fluid therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Electrolyte Solutions?
Consult your veterinarian before using Electrolyte Solutions with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur. Some injectable medications are not compatible with the components in the solution. Consult with your veterinarian before adding any medications to the bag of solution.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Lactated Ringers Patient Information Sheet,
Normosol-R/Isolyte-S/Plasmalyte A Patient Information Sheet,
or Sodium chloride 0.9% Patient Information Sheet.