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Ringers

Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Calcium Chloride · Irrigant

Prescription NDA TE AT 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
Ringers
Generic name
Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Calcium Chloride
Dosage form
Irrigant
Route
Irrigation
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
B. Braun Medical Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
6
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
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 .033 g/100mL 828525 View
Calcium Chloride 33 mg/100mL 828525 View
Potassium Chloride .03 g/100mL 628953 View
Potassium Chloride 30 mg/100mL 628953 View
Sodium Chloride .86 g/100mL 707251 View
Sodium Chloride 860 mg/100mL 707251 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Irrigant
Route of administration
Irrigation
Presentations
4

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
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
018156
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
August 6, 1979
Sponsor
B BRAUN
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
22
Products approved under application 018156.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
018156-001 RINGER'S IN PLASTIC CONTAINER SOLUTION CALCIUM CHLORIDE; POTASSIUM CHLORIDE; SODIUM CHLORIDE Prescription AT

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AT
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

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 018156.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 25 Labeling Approved February 13, 2004 —
Supplement 24 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 19, 2002 Standard
Supplement 23 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 10, 2002 Standard
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 28, 1998 Standard
Supplement 19 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 11, 1990 Standard
Supplement 15 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 5, 1987 Standard
Supplement 16 Labeling Approved July 17, 1985 —
Supplement 10 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 4, 1985 Standard
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 17, 1985 Standard
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 3, 1985 Standard
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved January 26, 1985 —
Supplement 12 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 26, 1985 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved April 20, 1982 —
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 6, 1981 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 28, 1981 Standard
Supplement 8 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 24, 1981 Standard
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 16, 1980 Standard
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved July 16, 1980 —
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 15, 1980 Standard
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved September 25, 1979 —
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 24, 1979 Standard
Original application 1 Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer Approved August 6, 1979 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20230830). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20230830

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ringer’s Irrigation USP is indicated for all general irrigation, washing and rinsing purposes which permit use of a sterile, nonpyrogenic electrolyte solution.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The dose is dependent upon the capacity or surface area of the structure to be irrigated and the nature of the procedure. When used as a vehicle for other drugs, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permits. See PRECAUTIONS .

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 FOR IRRIGATION ONLY. NOT FOR INJECTION. Irrigating fluids have been demonstrated to enter the systemic circulation in relatively large volumes; thus this irrigation must be regarded as a systemic drug. Absorption of large amounts can cause fluid and/or solute overloading resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema. The risk of dilutional states is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of administered parenteral solutions. The risk of solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of such solutions. Do not warm above 150°F (66°C). After opening container, its contents should be used promptly to minimize the possibility of bacterial growth or pyrogen formation. Discard unused portion of irrigating solution since it contains no preservatives.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS Possible adverse effects arising from the irrigation of body cavities, tissues, or indwelling catheters and tubes are usually avoidable when proper procedures are followed. Displaced catheters or drainage tubes can lead to irrigation or infiltration of unintended structures or cavities. Excessive volume or pressure during irrigation of closed cavities may cause undue distention or disruption of tissues. Accidental contamination from careless technique may transmit infection. Should any adverse reaction occur, discontinue the irrigant, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary.

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Drug Interactions Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION Ringer’s Irrigation USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, solution of electrolytes in water for injection intended only for sterile irrigation, washing and rinsing purposes. Each 100 mL contains: Sodium Chloride USP 0.86 g; Potassium Chloride USP 0.03 g Calcium Chloride Dihydrate USP 0.033 g; Water for Injection USP qs pH: 5.8 (5.0-7.5). The solution is isotonic (310 mOsmol/liter, calc.) and has the following electrolyte content (mEq/liter): Na + 147; K + 4 Ca ++ 4.5; Cl − 156 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. Ringer’s Irrigation USP may be classified as a sterile irrigant, wash, rinse and pharmaceutical vehicle. The formulas of the active ingredients are: Ingredients Molecular Formula Molecular Weight Sodium Chloride USP NaCl 58.44 Potassium Chloride USP KCl 74.55 Calcium Chloride Dihydrate USP CaCl 2 •2H 2 O 147.01 The plastic container is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene formulated and developed for parenteral drugs. The copolymer contains no plasticizers and exhibits virtually no leachability. The plastic container is also virtually impermeable to vapor transmission and therefore, requires no overwrap to maintain the proper drug concentration. The safety of the plastic container has been confirmed by biological evaluation procedures. The material passes Class Vl testing as specified in the U.S. Pharmacopeia for Biological Tests — Plastic Containers. These tests have shown that the container is nontoxic and biologically inert. Not made with natural rubber latex, PVC or DEHP.

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 Ringer’s Irrigation USP is supplied sterile and nonpyrogenic in PICTM (Plastic Irrigation Containers). The 1000 mL containers are packaged 16 per case. NDC Cat. No. Size Ringer’s Irrigation USP 0264-2202-00 R5310-01 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
0264-2202-00 0264-2202 B. Braun Medical Inc. 16 CONTAINER in 1 CASE (0264-2202-00) / 1000 mL in 1 CONTAINER August 6, 1979
0338-0104-04 0338-0104 Baxter Healthcare Corporation 12 BOTTLE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (0338-0104-04) / 1000 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC February 19, 1982
0264-2202 0264-2202 B. Braun Medical Inc. — August 6, 1979
0338-0104 0338-0104 Baxter Healthcare Corporation — February 19, 1982

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.