DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose is a monosaccharide that provides a source of calories and hydration. It is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, yielding energy. Sodium chloride provides electrolytes to maintain osmotic balance and fluid distribution.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to CO2 and water; sodium chloride is not metabolized. |
| Excretion | Dextrose is completely metabolized to carbon dioxide and water; no significant renal excretion. Sodium and chloride are primarily excreted renally (99% of filtered load reabsorbed, with excess excreted in urine). Fecal/biliary elimination is negligible. |
| Half-life | Dextrose has a plasma half-life of approximately 1.5-2 hours under euglycemic conditions, prolonged in renal impairment (not directly applicable as it is continuously infused). Sodium and chloride have no defined half-life; they are handled by renal homeostatic mechanisms with kinetic parameters dependent on GFR and tubular function. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible protein binding (<1%). Sodium and chloride: not protein bound; freely ionized. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: Vd ~0.2 L/kg (confined to extracellular fluid and rapidly equilibrates with total body water). Sodium: Vd ~0.15-0.25 L/kg (primarily extracellular). Chloride: Vd ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular). These values indicate distribution mainly in the extracellular compartment. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% bioavailability. Not administered by other routes. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate onset for volume expansion and glucose provision. Clinical effects (e.g., increased blood glucose, plasma osmolality) within minutes of infusion initiation. |
| Duration of Action | Duration is directly dependent on infusion rate; effects persist only during and shortly after administration. Once infusion stops, dextrose is rapidly metabolized (within 1-2 hours) and electrolytes are redistributed and excreted within hours to days based on renal function. |
| Molecular Weight | Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da |
Intravenous infusion; dose depends on fluid and caloric needs, typically 100-200 mL/hour for maintenance in adults. Maximum infusion rate: 0.5 g/kg/hour dextrose.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR >50 mL/min: no adjustment. GFR 10-50 mL/min: monitor fluid and electrolyte status; reduce rate if signs of fluid overload. GFR <10 mL/min: use with caution; consider alternative with lower sodium content; adjust rate based on fluid balance and serum sodium. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment for Child-Pugh class A or B; in class C, monitor glucose and electrolytes closely due to risk of hyperglycemia and fluid retention. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion: neonates and children, 5 mL/kg/hour for maintenance; adjust based on serum glucose, electrolytes, and fluid status. Maximum dextrose infusion rate: 0.5 g/kg/hour. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function; start at lower rates (e.g., 50-100 mL/hour) and titrate based on fluid status, serum glucose, and electrolytes; monitor for hyperglycemia and fluid overload. |
| 1st trimester | Generally considered safe; used for fluid and glucose replacement. No known teratogenicity at standard doses. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe when used as indicated; monitor for fluid/electrolyte imbalances. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe; may be used for hydration and energy supply during labor. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Dextrose readily crosses the placenta; sodium and chloride also cross. Used for fetal hydration in some settings. Degree proportional to maternal infusion. |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and sodium chloride are normal blood constituents; infusion does not pose risk. Excretion into breast milk is negligible and not clinically significant. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe (L1) |
| Teratogenic Risk | No known teratogenic risk. Dextrose and sodium chloride are physiologic components; hyperglycemia from high dextrose doses may be associated with fetal macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia in the third trimester. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal blood glucose, serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and urine output. In prolonged use, fetal monitoring for growth and well-being; assess for signs of hyperglycemia or electrolyte disturbances in the neonate. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar coma (dextrose component)Severe fluid overload or pulmonary edema (sodium chloride component)Known hypersensitivity to any component
| Precautions | Risk of hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar syndrome in patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance, Risk of fluid overload in patients with cardiovascular or renal impairment, Risk of electrolyte imbalances with prolonged use or large volumes, Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is intact |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions. However, the dextrose content may affect blood glucose levels; diabetic patients should monitor glucose closely. No dietary restrictions required for this intravenous solution. |
| Clinical Pearls | This solution provides 10% dextrose (100 g/L) and 0.11% sodium chloride (11 mEq/L Na+, 11 mEq/L Cl-). It is hypertonic (approx. 555 mOsm/L) and should be administered via central line if prolonged therapy to avoid thrombophlebitis. Use cautiously in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or hyperglycemia. Monitor serum glucose and electrolytes. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products due to risk of hemolysis. |
| Patient Advice | This intravenous fluid contains sugar (dextrose) and salt (sodium chloride). · It is used to provide calories and maintain fluid balance when you cannot eat or drink. · Report any signs of allergic reaction: rash, itching, difficulty breathing. · Tell your nurse if you experience headache, nausea, swelling, or rapid heartbeat. · Your blood sugar and electrolyte levels will be checked regularly during treatment. |
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