NSS

Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy

NSS
Stands forNormal saline solution
CategoriesMedical

NSS stands for Normal saline solution, a pharmacy abbreviation.

Alternate abbreviation for 0.9% sodium chloride, common in nursing notes, wound care orders and texts outside the US. Wound irrigation, nasal rinses and IV flushes are often ordered as NSS.

Example: Irrigate wound with NSS, pat dry and apply dressing daily.

Usage notes

Some institutions prefer "NS" or "0.9% sodium chloride" to keep terminology consistent across order sets. Sterile saline for irrigation is labeled differently from saline for injection and must not be given IV, a distinction ISMP has highlighted after bottle mix-ups.

More pharmacy abbreviations

  • NAPLEX – North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination
  • NCPDP – National Council for Prescription Drug Programs
  • NDA – New Drug Application
  • NDC – National Drug Code
  • NF – Non-formulary
  • NS – Normal saline
  • ODT – Orally disintegrating tablet
  • oint – Ointment
  • OROS – Osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system
  • OTC – Over-the-counter
  • P&T – Pharmacy and therapeutics committee
  • PA – Prior authorization

See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.