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Lactated Ringers

SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM LACTATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, and CALCIUM CHLORIDE · Irrigant

Prescription NDA TE AT RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Lactated Ringers
Generic name
SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM LACTATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, and CALCIUM CHLORIDE
Dosage form
Irrigant
Route
Irrigation
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
ICU Medical Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
12
NDC product codes
4
Packages
5
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Calcium Chloride .02 g/100mL 828525 View
Calcium Chloride 20 mg/100mL 828525 View
Calcium Chloride 200 mg/1000mL 828525 View
Potassium Chloride .03 g/100mL 628953 View
Potassium Chloride 30 mg/100mL 628953 View
Potassium Chloride 300 mg/1000mL 628953 View
Sodium Chloride .6 g/100mL 707251 View
Sodium Chloride 6 g/1000mL 707251 View
Sodium Chloride 600 mg/100mL 707251 View
Sodium Lactate .31 g/100mL 799999 View
Sodium Lactate 3.1 g/1000mL 799999 View
Sodium Lactate 310 mg/100mL 799999 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Irrigant
Route of administration
Irrigation
Presentations
9

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Acidifying Activity [MoA] MoA All 14 members
Blood Coagulation Factor [EPC] EPC All 23 members
Calcium [CS] CS All 23 members
Cations EPC All 23 members
Divalent [CS] CS All 23 members
Increased Coagulation Factor Activity [PE] PE All 23 members
Increased Large Intestinal Motility [PE] PE All 83 members
Inhibition Large Intestine Fluid/Electrolyte Absorption [PE] PE All 83 members
Osmotic Activity [MoA] MoA All 105 members
Osmotic Laxative [EPC] EPC All 103 members
Phosphate Binder [EPC] EPC All 42 members
Phosphate Chelating Activity [MoA] MoA All 42 members
Potassium Compounds [CS] CS All 49 members
Potassium Salt [EPC] EPC All 49 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
019416
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
January 17, 1986
Sponsor
OTSUKA ICU MEDCL
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
15
Products approved under application 019416.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
019416-001 LACTATED RINGER'S IN PLASTIC CONTAINER SOLUTION CALCIUM CHLORIDE; POTASSIUM CHLORIDE; SODIUM CHLORIDE; SODIUM LACTATE Prescription AT RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AT
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (topical dermatological products)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 019416.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 32 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 15, 2014 Standard
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved December 13, 1999 —
Supplement 17 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 21, 1997 Standard
Supplement 16 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 11, 1997 Standard
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 27, 1996 Standard
Supplement 12 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 28, 1992 Standard
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 10, 1991 Standard
Supplement 8 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 22, 1990 Standard
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 11, 1990 Standard
Supplement 4 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 22, 1989 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 14, 1989 Standard
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 26, 1986 Standard
Supplement 2 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 8, 1986 Standard
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 13, 1986 Standard
Original application 1 Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer Approved January 17, 1986 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251023). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251023 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20230907 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20180102

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation is indicated for use as an arthroscopic irrigating fluid with endoscopic instruments during arthroscopic procedures requiring distension and irrigation of the knee, shoulder, elbow, or other bone joints.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The volume and/or rate of solution needed will vary with the nature and duration of the arthroscopic procedure. This solution, as it is packaged, is not intended for IV administration or injection. The container must not be vented (See Precautions ). Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Do not administer unless the solution is clear and the seal is intact. If particulate matter or discoloration is found, contact Baxter Customer Service Aseptic technique should be used when applying this product. The contents of an opened container should be used promptly to minimize the possibility of bacterial growth or pyrogen formation. Discard the unused portion of irrigating solution since no antimicrobial agent has been added. When using Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation for pour irrigation, prevent contact of the fluid with the external surface of the container. Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation is for single-patient use only. Microwave heating of irrigation fluids is not recommended. If desired, Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation may be warmed in a water bath or oven to not more than 45° C while maintaining sterility. Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation that has been warmed must not be returned to storage. Cetriaxone must not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions, including Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation. Additives may be incompatible with Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation. Additives known or determined to be incompatible should not be used. As with all parenteral solutions, compatibility of the additives with the solution must be assessed before addition, by checking for, for example, a possible color change and/or the appearance of precipitates, insoluble complexes, or crystals. Before adding a substance or medication, verify that it is soluble and/or stable in water and that the pH range of Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation is appropriate. The instructions for use of the medication to be added and other relevant literature must be consulted. When making additions to Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation, aseptic technique must be used. Mix the solution thoroughly when additives have been introduced. Do not store solutions containing additives.

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS NOT FOR INJECTION BY USUAL PARENTERAL ROUTES. An electrolyte solution should not be used for irrigation during electrosurgical procedures.

WARNINGS Absorption of large volume of irrigation fluids through a perforation or open wound may result in circulatory overload, cardiac failure, or electrolyte disturbances and acid-base imbalance. Patients and fluid balance should be monitored accordingly. If absorption of clinically relevant amounts of fluid is suspected, the fluid administration should be interrupted, and the patient evaluated for possible adverse consequences. Particularly close monitoring is required in patients with: • Severely impaired renal function • Impaired cardiac function, or • Clinical states in which there is edema with sodium retention as a fluid overload syndrome may develop in these patients following absorption of even small quantities of irrigation fluid. Appropriate therapy should be initiated, as indicated. Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation must not be used when types of electrocautery are used that are not safe and effective when performed in the presence of electrolyte solutions. Excessive volume or pressure during irrigation may cause excessive fluid absorption, undue distention of cavities, and/or disruption of tissue.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS Post-Marketing Adverse Reactions No adverse reactions were identified in Baxter’s Adverse Event Reporting System database with Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation. Class Reactions Adverse reactions reported with Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation (manufacturer unspecified) are: Fluid absorption manifested by Pulmonary edema, Edema, and Electrolyte disturbances. Though not indicated for intravenous administration, absorption of irrigation fluid into tissue or vasculature through a perforation or open wound is possible. As a result, adverse reactions reported with Lactated Ringer’s solutions with and without Dextrose for intravenous administration may be applicable and include: • Hypersensitivity reactions, including Anaphylactic/Anaphylactoid reactions, with 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, Paresthesias, Hypoesthesia oral, Dysgeusia, Nausea, Anxiety, Headache, Hyperkalemia • Pyrexia Overdose In the event of clinically relevant absorption of irrigation fluid, the patients must be evaluated and corrective measures instituted as appropriate.

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Drug Interactions If clinically relevant amounts of solution have been absorbed, potential interactions with other agents must be considered, such as: Patients treated with drugs that may increase the risk of sodium and fluid retention, such as corticosteroids and carbenoxolone, may have an increased risk of sodium and fluid retention. Due to the alkalinizing action of lactate (formation of bicarbonate), Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation may interfere with the elimination of drugs for which renal elimination is pH dependent: • Renal clearance of acidic drugs such as salicylates, barbiturates, and lithium may be increased. • Renal clearance of alkaline drugs, such as sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, pseudoephedrine), dextroamphetamine (dexamphetamine) sulfate, and fenfluramine (phenfluramine) hydrochloride may be decreased. The risk of hyperkalemia is increased in patients treated with agents or products that can cause hyperkalemia or increase the risk of hyperkalemia, such as potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triameterene), with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, or the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine. Administration of potassium in patients treated with such medications can produce severe and potentially fatal hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with severe renal insufficiency. Absorption of calcium-containing solutions may increase the effects of digitalis and lead to serious or fatal cardiac arrhythmia. In patients treated with thiazide diuretics or vitamin D, the risk of hypercalcemia is increased.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of electrolytes in water for injection intended only for sterile irrigation, washing and rinsing purposes. The composition is based on a modification of the injectable formula originally known as Hartmann’s Solution. Each 100 mL of Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation contains: Sodium chloride 600 mg; sodium lactate, anhydrous 310 mg; potassium chloride 30 mg; calcium chloride, dihydrate 20 mg. The pH is 6.6 (6.0 — 7.5). The solution is isotonic (274 mOsmol/liter, calc.) and has the following electrolyte content (mEq/liter): Sodium (Na + ) 130; potassium (K + ) 4; calcium (Ca ++ ) 3; chloride (Cl − ) 109 and lactate (CH 3 CH(OH)COO − ) 28. Contains sodium hydroxide and may contain hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended only for use as a single-dose or short procedure irrigation. When smaller volumes are required, the unused portion should be discarded. Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation may be classified as a sterile irrigant, wash, rinse and pharmaceutical vehicle. Calcium Chloride, USP is chemically designated calcium chloride, dihydrate (CaCl 2 • 2H 2 O), white fragments or granules freely soluble in water. Potassium Chloride, USP is chemically designated KCl, a white granular powder freely soluble in water. Sodium Chloride, USP is chemically designated NaCl, a white crystalline powder freely soluble in water. Sodium Lactate, USP is chemically designated C 3 H 5 NaO 3 , a 60% aqueous solution miscible in water. It has the following structural formula: Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H 2 O. The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinylchloride. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap but not in amounts sufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions inside the plastic container also can leach out certain of its chemical components in very small amounts before the expiration period is attained. However, the safety of the plastic has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological standards for plastic containers. structural formula sodium lactate

OVERDOSAGE In the event of overhydration or solute overload, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures. (See WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS .)

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Lactated Ringer's Irrigation is supplied sterile and nonpyrogenic in PICTM (Plastic Irrigation Container). The 1000 mL containers are packaged 16 per case. NDC Cat. No. Size Lactated Ringer's Irrigation 0264-2203-00 R5410-01 1000 mL Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. Avoid excessive heat. Protect from freezing. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] However, brief exposure up to 40°C does not adversely affect the product. Do not warm above 150°F (66°C).

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
271,787
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: SODIUM CHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0264-2203-00 0264-2203 B. Braun Medical Inc. 16 CONTAINER in 1 CASE (0264-2203-00) / 1000 mL in 1 CONTAINER December 27, 1982
0338-0137-27 0338-0137 Baxter Healthcare Company 3000 mL in 1 BAG (0338-0137-27) April 3, 1984
0338-0137-29 0338-0137 Baxter Healthcare Company 5000 mL in 1 BAG (0338-0137-29) April 3, 1984
0338-0114-04 0338-0114 Baxter Healthcare Corporation 12 BOTTLE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (0338-0114-04) / 1000 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC February 19, 1982
0990-7828-08 0990-7828 ICU Medical Inc. 4 POUCH in 1 CASE (0990-7828-08) / 1 BAG in 1 POUCH / 3000 mL in 1 BAG July 1, 2019
0264-2203 0264-2203 B. Braun Medical Inc. — December 27, 1982
0338-0137 0338-0137 Baxter Healthcare Company — April 3, 1984
0338-0114 0338-0114 Baxter Healthcare Corporation — February 19, 1982
0990-7828 0990-7828 ICU Medical Inc. — July 1, 2019

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.