What is Lactated Ringer's (Lactated Ringer's solution)?

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Last updated: February 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Lactated Ringer's solution is a crystalloid fluid commonly used for intravenous administration, typically composed of sodium chloride, sodium lactate, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride 1.

Composition and Use

The solution is usually composed of sodium chloride 6g/L, sodium lactate 3.1g/L, calcium chloride 0.2g/L, and potassium chloride 0.3g/L. It is used for fluid resuscitation in various clinical settings, including acute pancreatitis 1, anaphylactic reactions 1, and infectious diarrhea 1.

Administration

The recommended dose and administration rate may vary depending on the clinical context. For example, in acute pancreatitis, aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution may be initiated at a rate greater than 10 ml/kg/hour 1, while in anaphylactic reactions, it may be administered at a high rate via an intravenous cannula of an appropriate gauge 1.

Key Points

  • Lactated Ringer's solution is a crystalloid fluid used for intravenous administration.
  • It is typically composed of sodium chloride, sodium lactate, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride.
  • The solution is used for fluid resuscitation in various clinical settings.
  • The recommended dose and administration rate may vary depending on the clinical context.
  • It is essential to adjust the infusion rate based on clinical assessment of fluid status and hemodynamic parameters 1.

From the Research

Definition and Composition of Lactated Ringer's Solution

  • Lactated Ringer's solution is a type of intravenous fluid used for resuscitation and fluid replacement 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • It is a crystalloid solution that contains sodium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride 2.
  • The solution is designed to mimic the electrolyte composition of human blood and is often used to treat dehydration, shock, and other conditions that require rapid fluid replacement 3, 4.

Clinical Uses of Lactated Ringer's Solution

  • Lactated Ringer's solution is commonly used in emergency medicine and critical care to resuscitate patients with hemorrhagic shock, trauma, and other conditions that require rapid fluid replacement 3, 5.
  • It is also used to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in patients who are unable to take fluids orally 4.
  • The solution can be administered intravenously, and its effects on blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and other physiological parameters can be closely monitored 2, 6.

Comparison with Other Fluids

  • Lactated Ringer's solution has been compared with other intravenous fluids, such as normal saline and hypertonic saline, in various clinical studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The results of these studies suggest that lactated Ringer's solution is effective in improving hemodynamic parameters and reducing the need for blood transfusions in patients with hemorrhagic shock 3.
  • However, the choice of fluid may depend on the specific clinical context and the patient's individual needs 4, 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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