Recipe for Normal Saline
Question: What is the recipe for normal saline for bowel irrigations?
I have read differing recipes for normal saline for bowel irrigations. Working with a laboratory technician who weighed and measured samples and based on a normal saline of 0.9 percent, we determined the formula for home mixing should be one heaping teaspoon in one quart of water. Is this the recommended formula for use with children with anorectal malformations?
Answer: We recommend three to four teaspoons of salt for every liter of water.
The salt concentration of the enemas is frequently changed, depending on the patient's response. For instance, if it takes too long for a particular patient to empty the colon, the concentration may be increased. If the saline solution provokes cramps, the salt concentration can be lowered.
We recommend three to four teaspoons of salt for every liter of water. Putting excessive amounts of salt in the water of an enema may have serious negative consequences, such as seizures and coma. The safest saline solution is that one prepared by a pharmaceutical laboratory. It is called Normal Saline Solution (0.9 percent).
For more information or to request an appointment, please contact the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's.
