Ringer's lactate
Prescription neededIV fluids (drips)
Comes as:Drip (infusion)
Usual adult dose
Given into a vein in hospital, mainly for severe dehydration (for example from cholera or diarrhoea), burns, blood loss or surgery. The amount and speed are set by the doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- pain or swelling where the drip goes in
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- swelling of the legs or breathlessness (too much fluid)
- fever with chills (drip infection)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- High blood potassium or severe kidney failure (use with caution)
- Severe liver disease or lactic acidosis (use with caution)
- Do not give with ceftriaxone in the same drip line
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Ceftriaxone
The calcium in Ringer's lactate can form deposits with ceftriaxone; do not mix in the same line, and never in newborns.