An aqueous composition suitable for intravenous administration to a patient. The aqueous composition comprising 40-60 mmol/L sodium, 20-45 mmol/L potassium, and 2-12 wt% carbohydrate. In addition, the packaged solution contains 200-2000ml of water and the aqueous composition is suitable for use in maintaining homeostasis in a patient. The solution may be administered at a rate of 25-35 ml per kg of patient bodyweight over a 24 hour period. Alternatively, the solution can be administered to the patient at a rate such that 1.3-2.0 mmol of sodium ions and 0.8-1.2 mmol potassium ions per kg of said patient’s bodyweight per 24 hour period. The solution can contain dextrose, fructose, or galactose as the carbohydrate source. The potassium ions may be provided by KCl and the sodium ions provided by NaCl.