Sodium Correction Rate Calculator
Calculate safe infusion rates for sodium correction using the Adrogue-Madias formula
Calculate Sodium Correction Rate
Normal: 135-145 mEq/L
Goal sodium level
Recommended: 24-48 hours
Example Calculation
Hyponatremia Patient
Patient: 70 kg adult male
Current Sodium: 120 mEq/L (severe hyponatremia)
Target Sodium: 130 mEq/L (conservative correction)
Fluid: 3% Saline (513 mEq/L sodium)
Timeframe: 24 hours
Step-by-Step Calculation
Step 1: TBW = 70 kg × 0.6 = 42 L
Step 2: Change per liter = (513 - 120) / (42 + 1) = 9.14 mEq/L per liter
Step 3: Volume needed = 10 mEq/L ÷ 9.14 mEq/L per liter = 1.09 L
Step 4: Infusion rate = 1090 mL ÷ 24 h = 45.4 mL/h
Result: 45.4 mL/h of 3% saline for safe correction
Total Body Water (TBW)
Child (≤18 years)
60% of body weight
Adult Male (19-65)
60% of body weight
Adult Female (19-65)
50% of body weight
Elderly Male (>65)
50% of body weight
Elderly Female (>65)
45% of body weight
Fluid Sodium Content
Hypotonic Solutions
- • D5W: 0 mEq/L
- • 0.225% NaCl: 39 mEq/L
- • 0.45% NaCl: 77 mEq/L
Isotonic Solutions
- • Lactated Ringer's: 130 mEq/L
- • Plasmalyte: 140 mEq/L
- • Normal Saline: 154 mEq/L
Hypertonic Solutions
- • 3% Saline: 513 mEq/L
- • 5% Saline: 855 mEq/L
Understanding Sodium Correction Rate
Adrogue-Madias Formula
The Adrogue-Madias formula is the most widely used method for predicting serum sodium changes during fluid therapy. It accounts for the patient's total body water and the sodium content of the infused fluid.
Safety Considerations
- •Maximum correction: 8 mEq/L per day
- •Severe symptoms: Initial rate 1-2 mEq/L/h
- •Monitor sodium every 4-6 hours
- •Risk of osmotic demyelination with rapid correction
Clinical Applications
Hyponatremia
Use hypertonic saline (3%) for severe symptomatic hyponatremia. Start with 1-2 mEq/L/h correction rate for immediate symptom relief.
Hypernatremia
Use hypotonic fluids (0.45% saline or D5W) for gradual correction. Slower correction rates (0.5-1 mEq/L/h) prevent cerebral edema.
Remember: This calculator provides estimates. Clinical judgment, continuous monitoring, and adjustment based on patient response are essential.