DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose is a monosaccharide that provides calories and serves as a source of energy. Sodium chloride provides electrolytes to maintain osmolality and fluid balance.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to produce ATP. Sodium chloride is not metabolized; it is excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water; sodium and chloride are excreted renally. >90% of water and electrolytes are eliminated via kidneys. Minimal fecal or biliary elimination. |
| Half-life | Dextrose: not applicable (endogenous substrate). Sodium: 10-20 minutes (rapid distribution); chloride parallels sodium. Clinical context: renal function prolongs half-life of infused components. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible. Sodium: negligible (<5%). Chloride: negligible. No significant protein binding. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: 0.2-0.3 L/kg (total body water). Sodium: 0.6-0.7 L/kg (extracellular fluid). Chloride: similar to sodium. Clinical meaning: reflects distribution into extracellular space. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. Not applicable for other routes. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate for volume expansion. Hyperglycemic effect within minutes. Electrolyte effects minutes to hours depending on infusion rate. |
| Duration of Action | Volume effect: 30-60 minutes after infusion stops. Caloric effect: duration depends on metabolic demand, usually 1-2 hours. Electrolyte effects persist until renal excretion. |
Intravenous infusion; rate determined by fluid and electrolyte needs; typical adult rate 100-200 mL/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR <30 mL/min: use with caution; monitor fluid and electrolyte status; reduce infusion rate to avoid volume overload. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment required for Child-Pugh classification; monitor for fluid retention. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based dosing: 5-20 mL/kg/day as maintenance fluid; adjust based on age, weight, and clinical condition. |
| Geriatric use | Caution with volume overload; initiate at lower infusion rates (50-100 mL/hour) and monitor cardiopulmonary status. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and sodium chloride are endogenous substances present in breast milk. No adverse effects on the breastfed infant are anticipated. M/P ratio not applicable as these are normal blood constituents; levels in milk reflect maternal plasma levels. However, large intravenous doses may transiently alter milk composition (e.g., increase glucose). |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar coma","Severe electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypernatremia)","Anuria or severe renal impairment requiring fluid restriction","Known hypersensitivity to dextrose or sodium chloride"]
| Precautions | ["Hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance","Fluid overload in patients with cardiac or renal impairment","Electrolyte abnormalities such as hypernatremia or hyponatremia","Extravasation risk with peripheral administration","Monitor serum glucose and electrolytes regularly"] |
Loading safety data…
| Dextrose 10% and sodium chloride 0.9% are normal constituents of blood and are not teratogenic. No increased risk of fetal malformations is expected when used as clinically indicated in any trimester. However, maternal hyperglycemia (from excessive dextrose administration) may cause fetal hyperinsulinism and neonatal hypoglycemia if given near term. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal blood glucose, serum electrolytes (especially sodium), fluid balance (input/output), and signs of fluid overload (e.g., edema, pulmonary congestion). Fetal monitoring includes fetal heart rate and uterine activity if administered during labor. In pregnancy, monitor for maternal hyperglycemia and neonatal hypoglycemia after delivery if high doses are used. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose and sodium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes; no reproductive toxicity reported at clinically relevant doses. |