Learn how to save on Sodium Chloride in 2026. Compare prices, find coupons, and discover patient assistance programs for saline prescriptions.
Sodium Chloride — the medical term for saline solution — is one of the most affordable medications in existence. A liter bag of IV saline costs manufacturers just a few dollars to produce. But if you've ever looked at a hospital bill and seen a charge of $200 or more for a bag of salt water, you know that what you actually pay can be a very different story.
Whether you need prescription nebulizer saline, IV saline for home infusion, or ophthalmic drops like Muro 128, the cost of Sodium Chloride varies widely depending on where you get it, what formulation you need, and whether you have insurance.
In this guide, we'll break down the real costs and show you how to save money on Sodium Chloride in 2026.
Here's what you can expect to pay out of pocket for common Sodium Chloride formulations without insurance:
The biggest cost shock typically comes from IV saline administered in hospital or emergency room settings, where facility fees, administration charges, and markup can inflate the cost of a $5 bag to hundreds of dollars on your bill.
For prescription Sodium Chloride formulations (nebulizer saline, ophthalmic, etc.), discount cards can significantly reduce your cost. Here are your best options:
GoodRx offers free coupons that can bring the price of prescription Sodium Chloride nebulizer solution down to around $10 to $15 at most pharmacies. With GoodRx Gold (a paid membership), prices can drop to as low as $7.68.
SingleCare provides free prescription discount cards accepted at over 35,000 pharmacies. Sodium Chloride prices through SingleCare are typically competitive with GoodRx.
RxSaver lets you compare prices at pharmacies near you and provides instant coupons. It's especially useful for finding the lowest price at a specific pharmacy.
Additional coupon card options include:
Pro tip: Prices vary between pharmacies and between coupon programs. Always compare prices at 2-3 pharmacies using different coupons before filling your prescription. Independent pharmacies sometimes offer better pricing than chains.
Because Sodium Chloride is a generic commodity product (not a brand-name drug), there are no manufacturer savings cards or copay assistance programs like you'd find for expensive brand medications.
However, if cost is a barrier, these resources may help:
If you're uninsured or underinsured and receive IV saline in a hospital setting, you may qualify for the hospital's financial assistance program (sometimes called "charity care"). Under federal law, nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance policies. Ask the hospital's billing department about your options.
NeedyMeds is a nonprofit that helps patients find assistance programs for medications. While Sodium Chloride itself doesn't have dedicated programs, NeedyMeds can help you find broader assistance based on your diagnosis and financial situation.
RxAssist maintains a database of patient assistance programs and can help connect you with resources if you're struggling to afford any medication, including Sodium Chloride formulations.
Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs for low-income residents. These programs vary by state but can help cover the cost of prescription medications including Sodium Chloride.
If you're using prescription nasal saline, ask your doctor if an OTC saline spray or rinse kit would work just as well. OTC options cost $3 to $8 and don't require a prescription or insurance. This is the simplest way to save money for nasal applications.
If you use nebulizer saline regularly, buying a larger quantity (such as a box of 100 unit-dose vials) is almost always cheaper per dose than buying small quantities. Ask your pharmacy about bulk pricing.
Sodium Chloride is covered by virtually all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, without prior authorization or step therapy requirements. If you have insurance:
If you receive care at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), community health center, or certain hospital outpatient clinics, you may benefit from 340B drug pricing — a federal program that requires drug manufacturers to sell medications at discounted prices to eligible healthcare organizations. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
If you've already received IV saline in a hospital and are facing a large bill, remember that hospital charges are often negotiable. Ask for an itemized bill, compare the saline charge to retail prices, and request a reduction. Many hospitals will reduce charges, especially for uninsured patients.
Sodium Chloride is one of the cheapest medications to manufacture, but the healthcare system doesn't always pass those savings along to patients. Whether you need nebulizer saline, ophthalmic drops, or IV fluids, there are concrete steps you can take to reduce your costs.
Start by comparing prices with free coupon tools like GoodRx and SingleCare. Consider OTC options for nasal use. And if you're facing a large hospital bill for IV saline, don't be afraid to negotiate.
If you're having trouble finding Sodium Chloride in stock, check Medfinder for real-time pharmacy availability. For more about this essential medication, explore our guides:
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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