Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Note on this source. The FDA label used for this page covers a combination product listed as Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride. The information below therefore describes that product, not Sodium Lactate on its own. Check the label of the specific product you have.
Quick facts
- How it is given
- intravenous
- Type
- human prescription drug
- Brand names
- LACTATED RINGERS
- RxNorm ID
- 847630
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Lactated Ringer's Injection is indicated as a source of water and electrolytes or as an alkalinizing agent.
About this medicine
DESCRIPTION: Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment in single dose containers for intravenous administration. It contains no antimicrobial agents. Composition, osmolarity, pH, ionic concentration and caloric content are shown in Table 1 . Table 1 Size (mL) Composition (g/L) Ionic Composition (mEq/L) Caloric Content (kcal/L) Sodium Chloride, USP (NaCl) Sodium Lactate, USP (C 3 H 5 NaO 3 ) Potassium Chloride, USP (KCl) Calcium Chloride, USP (CaCl 2 •2H 2 O) Osmolarity (mOsmol/L) (calc) pH Sodium Potassium Calcium Chloride Lactate Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP 250 6 3.1 0.3 0.2 273 6.5 (6.0 to 7.5) 130 4 2.7 109 28 9 500 1,000 The flexible container is fabricated from a specially formulated non-plasticized, film containing polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomers ( free flex ® bag). The amount of water that can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap is insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the flexible container can leach out certain of the container's chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period. The suitability of the container material has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers.
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS: As for other calcium-containing infusion solutions, concomitant administration of ceftriaxone and Lactated Ringer's Injection is contraindicated in newborns (≤ 28 days of age), even if separate infusion lines are used (risk of fatal ceftriaxone-calcium salt precipitation in the neonate's bloodstream). In patients older than 28 days (including adults), ceftriaxone must not be administered simultaneously with intravenous calcium-containing solutions, including Lactated Ringer's Injection, through the same infusion line (e.g., via Y-connector). If the same infusion line is used for sequential administration, the line must be thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid. Lactated Ringer's Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to sodium lactate.
Warnings
WARNINGS: Although Lactated Ringer's Injection has a potassium concentration similar to the concentration in plasma, it is insufficient to produce a useful effect in case of severe potassium deficiency; therefore, it should not be used for this purpose. Lactated Ringer's Injection is not for use for the treatment of lactic acidosis or severe metabolic acidosis. Lactated Ringer's Injection should not be administered simultaneously with citrate anticoagulated/preserved blood through the same administration set because of the likelihood of coagulation. The infusion must be stopped immediately if any signs or symptoms of a suspected hypersensitivity reaction develop. Appropriate therapeutic countermeasures must be instituted as clinically indicated. Hypersensitivity reactions are reported more frequently during pregnancy. Depending on the volume and the rate of infusion, the intravenous administration of Lactated Ringer's Injection can cause fluid and/or solute overloading resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states, pulmonary edema or acid-base imbalance. The risk of dilutional states is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of the injections. The risk of solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of the injections. Clinical evaluation and periodic laboratory determinations may be necessary to monitor changes in fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid base balance during prolonged parenteral therapy or whenever the condition of the patient or the rate of administration warrants such evaluation. Lactated Ringer's Injection should be administered with particular caution, if at all, to patients with hyperkalemia or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia (such as severe renal impairment or adrenocortical insufficiency, acute dehydration, or extensive tissue injury or burns) and in patients with cardiac disease. Lactated Ringer's Injection should be administered with particular caution, if at all, to patients with alkalosis or at risk for alkalosis. […]
Reported side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Post-Marketing Adverse Reactions The following adverse reactions have been reported in the post-marketing experience, listed by MedDRA System Organ Class (SOC). Immune System Disorders Hypersensitivity/infusion reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, and the following manifestations: angioedema, chest pain, chest discomfort, decreased heart rate, tachycardia, blood pressure decreased, respiratory distress, bronchospasm, dyspnea, cough, urticaria, rash, pruritus, erythema, flushing, throat irritation, paresthesia, hypoesthesia oral, dysgeusia, nausea, anxiety, pyrexia, headache. Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hyperkalemia. General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Infusion site reactions, including phlebitis, infusion site inflammation, infusion site swelling, infusion site rash, infusion site pruritus, infusion site erythema, infusion site pain, infusion site burning. Class Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including, laryngeal edema and sneezing Hypervolemia Infusion site reactions, including infection at the site of injection, extravasation, and infusion site anesthesia (numbness) Overdose An excessive volume or too high a rate of administration of Lactated Ringer's Injection may lead to fluid and sodium overload with a risk of edema (peripheral and/or pulmonary), particularly when renal sodium excretion is impaired. Excessive administration of lactate may lead to metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis may be accompanied by hypokalemia. Excessive administration of potassium may lead to the development of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with severe renal impairment. Excessive administration of calcium salts may lead to hypercalcemia. When assessing an overdose, any additives in the solution must also be considered. The effects of an overdose may require immediate medical attention and treatment.
Interactions with other medicines
Drug Interactions Ceftriaxone (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Caution is advised when administering Lactated Ringer's Injection to patients treated with drugs that may increase the risk of sodium and fluid retention, such as corticosteroids. Caution is advised when administering Lactated Ringer's Injection to patients treated with drugs for which renal elimination is pH dependent. Due to the alkalinizing action of lactate (formation of bicarbonate), Lactated Ringer's Injection may interfere with the elimination of such drugs. Renal clearance of acidic drugs such as salicylates and barbiturates may be increased. Renal clearance of alkaline drugs, such as sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, pseudoephedrine) and dextroamphetamine (dexamphetamine) sulfate, may be decreased. Renal clearance of lithium may also be increased. Caution is advised when administering Lactated Ringer's Injection to patients treated with lithium. Because of its potassium content, Lactated Ringer's Injection should be administered with caution in patients treated with agents or products that can cause hyperkalemia or increase risk of hyperkalemia, such as potassium sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, or the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine. Caution is advised when administering Lactated Ringer's Injection to patients treated with thiazide diuretics or vitamin D, as these can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Storing it safely
STORE AT: 20 ° to 25 °C ( 68 ° to 77 °F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]; brief exposure up to 40°C does not adversely affect the product. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Non-PVC, Non-DEHP, Sterile.
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 24 April 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.