DEXTROSE 2.5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No 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. |
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 | 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 | Both dextrose and sodium chloride are endogenous compounds. M/P ratio not applicable or not determined. Excretion into breast milk is minimal and not clinically significant. Considered compatible with breastfeeding. |
| 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. |
■ 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 |
["Hypersensitivity to any component","Hyperglycemia with hyperosmolar coma","Intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage","Anuria or severe oliguria","Renal failure with hyperkalemia"]
| 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"] |
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| 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. |