Balanced Salt Solution: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Balanced Salt Solution is an FDA-approved, sterile, isotonic, physiological irrigating solution indicated as follows:

Established/approved use

• Extraocular and intraocular irrigation during ophthalmic surgical procedures (e.g., cataract extraction, vitrectomy, corneal transplantation, and other intraocular procedures) where irrigation of ocular tissue is required, typically for procedures expected to last less than 60 minutes of intraocular perfusion.

Other established surgical use

• As a general-purpose irrigating solution for other surgical procedures (e.g., urological, general surgical, or other body-cavity irrigation) where a physiologically balanced, isotonic electrolyte solution is needed to keep exposed tissue moist and to minimize tissue trauma from irrigation.

Balanced Salt Solution is not indicated, and is not formulated, for injection, intravenous infusion, or as a general systemic intravenous fluid unless a specific product is separately labeled for that purpose.

General principles

Balanced Salt Solution is administered topically as an irrigant, not by systemic dosing. The amount used depends on the surgical procedure and is determined by the operating surgeon.

Administration technique

• For use only by, or under the direct supervision of, a qualified physician/surgeon in a sterile surgical setting.
• Inspect the container before use; use only if the solution is clear, colorless, and free of particulate matter, and if the seal/container is intact.
• Use aseptic technique throughout; disinfect the closure before spiking, and prime the administration set/tubing to remove air before irrigation.
• Intended for single-patient use only; discard any unused solution after the procedure, as the product contains no preservative.
• Do not add other medications or additives to the solution unless compatibility has been established, as additives have been associated with corneal decompensation.

Balanced Salt Solution must never be given by injection or intravenous infusion as a general-purpose IV fluid.

Balanced Salt Solution is generally very well tolerated because its composition closely matches physiological fluid. Reported adverse effects are primarily local, related to the surgical procedure and irrigation itself rather than to the solution's chemistry:

• Corneal edema or swelling
• Bullous keratopathy
• Corneal endothelial decompensation, particularly with prolonged irrigation, trauma to the endothelium, or use of unauthorized additives
• Postoperative intraocular inflammation
• Rarely, hypersensitivity reactions to a solution component

Most of these effects are related to surgical trauma, prolonged perfusion time, or additive use rather than being direct toxic effects of Balanced Salt Solution itself.