DEXTROSE 2.5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides a source of glucose for cellular metabolism, primarily via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, to produce ATP. Sodium chloride maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, acting as a source of sodium and chloride ions essential for osmotic pressure and acid-base homeostasis.
| Metabolism | Dextrose undergoes cellular metabolism via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle; sodium and chloride are renally excreted and regulated by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Dextrose: primarily metabolized to CO2 and water; <1% excreted unchanged renally. Sodium chloride: electrolytes are reabsorbed or excreted renally; no specific elimination pathway. |
| Half-life | Not applicable; dextrose and electrolytes are endogenous substances, not subject to classic elimination half-life. Plasma glucose half-life is ~15-20 minutes in euglycemic conditions due to rapid cellular uptake. |
| Protein binding | None (0%): dextrose and sodium chloride are not bound to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: Vd ~0.2 L/kg (limited to extracellular fluid); sodium distributes primarily in extracellular fluid (Vd ~0.15-0.3 L/kg). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (complete bioavailability). Not applicable for other routes. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (seconds to minutes) for volume expansion and glucose elevation. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: 1-2 hours for volume expansion; glucose effect persists as long as infusion continues. |
| Molecular Weight | 180.156 |
Intravenous infusion: 100-200 mL/hour per 70 kg adult; rate adjusted based on fluid and electrolyte needs, typically 0.5-4 mL/kg/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR <30 mL/min: Reduce infusion rate by 50-75% and monitor serum sodium; avoid in anuria. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh Class B or C: No specific dose adjustment required; monitor for fluid overload and hyponatremia. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion: 0.5-4 mL/kg/hour, adjusted based on maintenance fluid requirements (e.g., 4-2-1 rule) and clinical status. |
| Geriatric use | Start at lower end of infusion rate (e.g., 0.5-1 mL/kg/hour) due to decreased renal function and higher risk of fluid overload; monitor serum sodium and volume status. |
| 1st trimester | Dextrose and sodium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes; no teratogenic effects expected when used at physiological doses. However, use only if clearly needed due to lack of controlled studies. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe for intravenous administration of fluids and electrolytes; monitor maternal glucose and electrolytes to avoid imbalances. |
| 3rd trimester | Use caution due to potential for fluid overload in pregnancy; avoid excessive sodium load which may worsen edema or hypertension. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Both dextrose and sodium chloride cross the placenta by simple diffusion and active transport; dextrose transfer is regulated by maternal-fetal glucose gradient. Sodium crosses via active transport to maintain fetal balance. |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and sodium chloride are normal blood constituents; intravenous infusion at typical doses is considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, high doses may alter milk sodium or glucose levels. Monitor infant for electrolyte disturbances if large volumes are administered. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose and sodium chloride at these concentrations are generally not teratogenic. Glucose is a physiologic nutrient and sodium chloride is an electrolyte; no fetal risks are reported when used appropriately. Trimester risk: Category C (not shown to be harmful, but no controlled studies). |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes, glucose, fluid balance, and urine output. Fetal monitoring for heart rate and growth if administered intravenously for maternal conditions (e.g., hyperemesis, dehydration). |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hypertonic solutions (e.g., >5% dextrose) for intrauterine infusionSevere hypernatremiaFluid overload states (e.g., pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure)Hypersensitivity to any component
| Precautions | Monitor serum glucose, electrolytes, and fluid balance regularly, Risk of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients, Volume overload in patients with heart failure or renal impairment, Extravasation risk during IV administration, May cause electrolyte imbalances with prolonged use |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions with this IV solution. However, oral intake may affect electrolyte balance; patients on sodium restriction should avoid high-sodium foods. |
| Clinical Pearls | This solution provides 85 mEq/L sodium and 77 mEq/L chloride. Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or hypertension due to sodium load. Monitor serum electrolytes and fluid balance. Not for peripheral administration if osmolarity >900 mOsm/L (this solution is isotonic). Assess injection site for phlebitis or extravasation. |
| Patient Advice | This intravenous solution provides fluids and electrolytes, not food calories. · Report any signs of fluid overload: swelling, shortness of breath, or rapid weight gain. · Inform your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney issues. · Tell your nurse immediately if you experience pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. · This solution contains sodium; follow any dietary sodium restrictions as advised by your doctor. |
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