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Isotonicity Calculator

Sodium chloride equivalents (E-values) for ophthalmic/parenteral formulations

Formulation Ingredients

IngredientConcentrationE-ValueAction

Common Ingredients

E-value Formula

Σ(C × E) = 0.9%

C = concentration (% w/v)

E = NaCl equivalent

0.9% = isotonic NaCl

Why Isotonicity Matters

  • • Prevents ocular discomfort and tissue damage
  • • Essential for IV solutions (prevents hemolysis)
  • • Affects drug absorption
  • • Required by pharmacopoeias

Common E-values

Sodium Chloride1.00
Dextrose0.18
Boric Acid0.50
Glycerin0.34

Guidelines

Ophthalmic: 0.6–1.1% NaCl equiv

IV: 0.45–0.9% acceptable

IM: small volumes can be hypertonic

Neonatal: strict isotonicity