DEXTROSE 2.5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides a source of calories and glucose, which is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, yielding energy. Sodium chloride maintains fluid and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; sodium chloride is not metabolized. |
| Excretion | Dextrose and sodium chloride are endogenous substances; excess dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water, with negligible renal excretion of unchanged glucose; sodium and chloride are primarily excreted renally (over 90% of filtered load). |
| Half-life | Dextrose: variable, approximately 1-2 hours for plasma glucose in euglycemic state; sodium and chloride: 6-12 hours depending on renal function and hydration status. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible (<0.1%); sodium and chloride: negligible (<1%). |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: approximately 20 L (0.25 L/kg) in a 70 kg adult, reflecting extracellular fluid; sodium and chloride: 12-15 L (0.15-0.2 L/kg), primarily in extracellular space. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% bioavailable. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous infusion: immediate upon administration; plasma glucose levels rise within minutes; electrolyte effects occur during infusion. |
| Duration of Action | Duration of action: 1-2 hours for dextrose (transient glucose elevation); sodium and chloride effects persist for several hours after infusion cessation, proportional to total dose and renal clearance. |
| Molecular Weight | 180.156 (dextrose); 58.44 (sodium chloride) |
Intravenous infusion; typical adult maintenance dose is 1-2 L per 24 hours adjusted based on fluid and electrolyte needs. Rate determined by clinical condition.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | In renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min), reduce volume administered to avoid fluid overload; monitor serum sodium and glucose. For anuria, administer only to replace ongoing losses with careful monitoring. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh based dose adjustment required; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to fluid and electrolyte disturbances. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based dosing: 100-200 mL/kg/24 hours for maintenance, adjusted per clinical status. Typical infusion rate: 4-8 mL/kg/hour. Monitor serum electrolytes and glucose. |
| Geriatric use | Use lower initial volumes and slower infusion rates (e.g., 1-2 mL/kg/hour) to avoid fluid overload; monitor renal function and electrolyte balance closely. |
| 1st trimester | Dextrose 2.5% and sodium chloride 0.2% is generally considered safe in the first trimester when used for appropriate indications such as fluid and electrolyte maintenance. No teratogenic effects have been reported at standard doses. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe for use in the second trimester for fluid and electrolyte replacement. Monitor for fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe in the third trimester, but caution is advised due to potential risks of fluid overload, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte disturbances. Use only when clearly needed. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Dextrose readily crosses the placenta by facilitated diffusion. Sodium and chloride ions cross via active transport and diffusion. The solution is considered safe in pregnancy at standard doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and sodium chloride are normal constituents of breast milk. Administration of this solution does not pose a risk to the nursing infant. However, intravenous infusion may affect maternal fluid and electrolyte balance, which should be monitored. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose and sodium chloride are physiologic substances. No teratogenic effects reported in any trimester when used at standard replacement doses. Excessive administration may cause maternal hyperglycemia or electrolyte imbalances, potentially affecting fetal development indirectly. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal blood glucose, serum electrolytes, fluid balance (intake/output), and signs of fluid overload or dehydration. Fetal monitoring as clinically indicated based on maternal condition. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose and sodium chloride are normal body constituents; no reproductive toxicity reported at therapeutic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Not for use in patients with intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage, or in patients who are anuric or have renal failure with hyperkalemia.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HypernatremiaHyperchloremiaFluid overload states (e.g., congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema)Severe renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaDiabetic ketoacidosis (unless specific protocols) Known hypersensitivity to any component
| Precautions | Risk of hyperglycemia, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, or cardiac failure, Administration should be monitored for signs of fluid overload, May cause phlebitis at infusion site |
| Food/Dietary | There are no direct food interactions with this intravenous solution. However, oral intake may be restricted depending on clinical condition. Monitor carbohydrate intake in diabetic patients. |
| Clinical Pearls | This solution is hypotonic (282 mOsm/L) and should not be used in patients with or at risk for increased intracranial pressure, as it may exacerbate cerebral edema. Monitor serum sodium and glucose levels; avoid in patients with hyperglycemia or hyponatremia. For pediatric patients, consider the risk of iatrogenic hyponatremia; use isotonic solutions when possible. |
| Patient Advice | This intravenous solution provides fluids and sugar (dextrose) to prevent dehydration and maintain energy. · Inform your healthcare provider if you have diabetes, kidney problems, or swelling (edema). · Report any signs of allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. · The solution may cause temporary discomfort at the IV site; notify staff if you experience pain, redness, or swelling. · Avoid adjusting the infusion rate yourself; it is controlled by medical personnel to ensure safety. |
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