What Does IV Fluid Contain?

All East Coast IV therapies include one main ingredient; this ingredient is a sterile IV fluid known as Lactated Ringers.   Lactated Ringer’s is often used instead of a normal saline solution because it contains both fluid and electrolytes, and is suitable for both children and adults. Lactated Ringer's also has fewer potential side effects than normal saline. Make no mistake, IV fluids have many ingredients, and even though it appears to be water, it is far from it.  Lactated Ringers contains additives including calcium, potassium, lactate, sodium, and chloride. 

Lactated Ringer's has been evaluated and found safe for use in most adults and children.  East Coast IV protocols do not allow clients who are in renal failure or have congestive heart failure to receive IV fluids.