Health Library

Lactated ringer's (By injection)

Calcium Chloride (KAL-see-um KLOR-ide), Potassium Chloride (poe-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Chloride (SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Lactate (SOE-dee-um LAK-tate)

Provides the body with needed electrolytes and water during low blood volume or pressure. Also increases pH level of the body.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Children 28 days of age or younger (neonates) should not receive this medicine together with ceftriaxone. Patients older than 28 days of age should not receive this medicine together with ceftriaxone in the same infusion line.
• Some medicines can affect how Lactated Ringer works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Corticotropin, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, tacrolimus, vitamin D
  • Diuretics (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat hypertension (including ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
  • Medicine to treat seizures
  • Medicine to treat mental or behavioral problems
  • Steroid medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease (including kidney stones), liver disease, heart disease (including heart failure), diabetes, lung or breathing problems, increased water intake without being thirsty, hormone problem (including SIADH), brain or nerve problems (including swelling in the brain), electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration. Tell your doctor if you have burns or tissue injury, or if you had a recent surgery.
• This medicine can cause the following problems:
  • Electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to encephalopathy, overhydration, changes in pH levels in the blood, kidney stones, or swelling
  • High blood sugar
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs, weight gain
• Dry mouth, increased hunger, thirst, or urination, trouble breathing, weight loss, stomach pain
• Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion, nausea, vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Loss of consciousness, seizures, fast or uneven heartbeat
• Muscle twitching
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024