Abstract: Hypertonic drugs are widely used in clinical medication, including many kinds, such as dehydration drug, electrolyte, hypertonic sugar, expansion agent and contrast agent. Rapid infusion of these drugs easily leads to phlebitis. Hypertonic contrast agents can also cause kidney damage. The classification and risk of hypertonic drugs were summarized in this article, and the prophylaxis and treatment of phlebitis induced by these drugs were also summarized. Our aim is to suggest that clinical staff should be alert to the risk while they use hypertonic drugs.

Key words: hypertonic drugs, risk, phlebitis, therapy