The Sodium Chloride Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you've been affected by the Sodium Chloride (saline) shortage — whether you needed IV hydration, nebulizer treatments, or even nasal saline spray — you're probably wondering: Is it over yet?

The short answer: mostly yes. The FDA officially resolved the IV saline shortage in August 2025. But supply chain recovery takes time, and some patients are still experiencing occasional difficulties finding certain formulations. Here's everything you need to know heading into 2026.

Is Sodium Chloride Still in Shortage?

The FDA declared the national shortage of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (Normal Saline) officially over on August 8, 2025. The product has been removed from the FDA's Drug Shortage Database, and manufacturers have reported that production is back to pre-hurricane levels.

That said, shortages don't end like a light switch. Here's the current picture:

• IV saline bags (0.9%): Supply is largely restored. Most hospitals and outpatient facilities are receiving normal allocations.
• IV flush syringes: Availability has improved significantly, though some facilities report occasional spot shortages.
• Nebulizer saline: Generally available, but some specific concentrations (especially 3% and 7% hypertonic) may still be harder to find.
• Nasal saline sprays: Widely available over the counter. These were less affected by the shortage.
• Ophthalmic formulations: Muro 128 and generic alternatives are generally in stock.

Why Was Sodium Chloride Hard to Find?

The shortage was primarily caused by Hurricane Helene, which hit western North Carolina in September 2024. The storm severely damaged Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Cove — a facility that produced over 50% of the nation's IV saline supply.

With the country's largest saline factory offline, hospitals across the U.S. faced immediate and severe shortages. Some delayed elective surgeries. Others rationed IV fluids or switched to alternatives like Lactated Ringer's Solution.

For the full story, read why Sodium Chloride has been so hard to find.

How Much Does Sodium Chloride Cost in 2026?

One of the silver linings of Sodium Chloride is that it's an inexpensive medication — at least at the wholesale level. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Nasal saline spray (OTC): $3 to $8 at most drugstores
• Nebulizer saline (0.9%, prescription): $7 to $20 with a coupon (as low as $7.68 with GoodRx Gold)
• IV saline bags (wholesale): $5 to $15 per 1,000 mL bag
• Hospital IV saline (billed to patients): Can range from $50 to $500+ per bag depending on the facility and your insurance

If cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Sodium Chloride.

Are There New Options for Getting Sodium Chloride?

Yes. In response to the 2024-2025 shortage, several developments have improved access:

• Increased domestic production: The FDA worked with manufacturers like B. Braun, ICU Medical, and Fresenius Kabi to ramp up production while Baxter's plant was being rebuilt.
• Temporary importation: During the worst of the shortage, the FDA allowed importation of IV saline from approved international manufacturers to supplement domestic supply.
• Baxter facility restoration: Baxter completed repairs and restoration of the North Cove facility by mid-2025, with full production capacity resumed.
• Greater use of balanced crystalloids: Many hospitals shifted toward Lactated Ringer's and Plasma-Lyte during the shortage and have continued using them, reducing overall demand for Normal Saline.

How to Find Sodium Chloride in Stock Right Now

If you're still having trouble finding Sodium Chloride at your pharmacy, here's what to do:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy availability near you
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often have different supply chains than big chains
3. Ask about different formulations — if one concentration is out of stock, another may be available
4. Talk to your doctor — they may be able to prescribe an alternative like Lactated Ringer's or Plasma-Lyte

For more detailed strategies, read how to find Sodium Chloride in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The worst of the Sodium Chloride shortage is behind us. The FDA has resolved the national shortage, manufacturers have restored production, and supply is steadily returning to normal. But if you're one of the patients still experiencing difficulty finding a specific formulation, don't give up.

Use Medfinder to check availability, talk to your doctor about alternatives, and stay informed. For more about this essential medication, visit our complete guide: What Is Sodium Chloride?