Sodium chloride + potassium chloride + magnesium chloride + calcium chloride + sodium acetate + malic acid is a balanced infusion solution used in hospital to replace fluids and electrolytes. It may be given when a patient has dehydration, fluid losses, surgery, or needs support of circulating volume.
It is administered intravenously only by healthcare professionals. The amount and infusion rate are chosen according to age, weight, blood pressure, fluid losses, blood tests, kidney function and heart function. Because the solution contains calcium and several electrolytes, it must not be mixed randomly with other medicines and compatibility must be checked.
Side effects may include infusion-site pain, vein inflammation, fever, local infection, leakage into tissues, swelling, fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance. Too much potassium can affect heart rhythm, while excess calcium or magnesium may cause weakness, nausea, confusion or low blood pressure.
Tell healthcare staff immediately if breathing difficulty, rapid leg swelling, chest pain, palpitations, severe dizziness, strong infusion-site pain or reduced urination occurs. Inform the doctor if you have kidney failure, heart failure, oedema, digoxin treatment, diuretics or potassium/calcium disorders.