Abstract: A stabilized, therapeutic composition is provided which comprises an aqueous medium containing known amounts of Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, HCO.sub.3 .sup.-, and Cl.sup.- wherein the pH of the solution is maintained between about 6 and 8.5 and the osmolality is maintained between about 170 and 460 by maintaining a gaseous mixture as a blanket over the solution during manufacture and storage, the gaseous mixture containing a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide to substantially equal the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide produced from equilibrium within the solution.