DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides a source of carbohydrates to increase blood glucose levels, and sodium chloride provides electrolytes to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. It acts as a source of calories and water for hydration.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and subsequent pathways to carbon dioxide and water; sodium chloride is not metabolized. |
| Excretion | Renal: Dextrose is completely metabolized to CO2 and water; sodium and chloride are excreted renally. Essentially no biliary/fecal elimination. |
| Half-life | Not applicable as dextrose is rapidly metabolized; sodium and chloride are electrolytes with homeostatic regulation. No terminal elimination half-life defined. |
| Protein binding | Negligible (<5%) for dextrose, sodium, and chloride; no specific binding proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose distributes into total body water (approximately 0.6 L/kg); sodium and chloride distribute into extracellular fluid (approximately 0.2 L/kg). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (bioequivalent to direct administration into bloodstream). No other relevant routes. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate, as the solution directly expands intravascular volume and provides glucose for cellular metabolism. |
| Duration of Action | Duration depends on rate of infusion and metabolic demand; typically 1-2 hours for volume expansion effect after cessation of infusion. |
| Molecular Weight | 180.16 |
Intravenous infusion; rate and volume determined by patient's fluid and electrolyte requirements, typically 100-200 mL/hour for maintenance in adults.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in patients with anuria. For GFR < 30 mL/min, reduce infusion rate by 50% and monitor serum sodium and chloride levels closely. GFR 30-50 mL/min: use with caution, adjust rate based on electrolyte status. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment for Child-Pugh class A or B. For Child-Pugh class C, use with caution due to risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances; monitor serum sodium and chloride. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion; 5-10 mL/kg/hour as maintenance fluid, adjusted based on age, weight, and clinical condition. Maximum infusion rate 100 mL/hour in neonates and 200 mL/hour in older children, unless otherwise directed. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to increased risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances; reduce initial infusion rate by 25-50% and monitor renal function, serum sodium, and fluid balance closely. |
| 1st trimester | Dextrose and sodium chloride are components of normal physiology. No teratogenicity reported at standard replacement doses. Use only when clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe for maternal fluid and electrolyte maintenance. Monitor for electrolyte imbalances. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for maternal fluid and electrolyte maintenance. Monitor for fluid overload and hypernatremia. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Dextrose and sodium chloride readily cross the placenta via passive diffusion. Clinical effect on fetus depends on maternal serum concentrations. |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and sodium chloride are endogenous substances normally present in breast milk. Intravenous infusion at recommended doses is considered compatible with breastfeeding. No adverse effects expected in the infant. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose 5% and sodium chloride 0.3% is a crystalloid solution for intravenous administration. At physiological concentrations, dextrose and sodium chloride are not known to be teratogenic. However, excessive glucose administration can cause maternal hyperglycemia and fetal hyperinsulinemia, potentially leading to neonatal hypoglycemia. There are no known teratogenic risks associated with this solution when used at standard rates. In the first trimester, no specific fetal risks; in the second and third trimesters, risk of maternal hyperglycemia if infused in large volumes, with potential for fetal macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia. Avoid in patients with gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance unless glucose levels are closely monitored. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal blood glucose and serum electrolyte levels (sodium, chloride) periodically during prolonged infusion. In pregnancy, monitor fetal heart rate and uterine activity if used for volume resuscitation. Observe for signs of fluid overload or hyperglycemia. In diabetic mothers, frequent blood glucose monitoring is recommended. Assess neonatal blood glucose after delivery if large volumes were infused. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose and sodium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes; their administration at standard therapeutic doses is not expected to impair reproductive function. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Known hypersensitivity to dextrose or corn productsHyperglycemia with comaHypernatremiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria/anuriaIntracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage (if administered by these routes)Diabetic coma with hyperglycemia
| Precautions | Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or conditions that may cause fluid overload., Monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and fluid balance during administration., Avoid in patients with known allergies to corn or corn products (dextrose derived from corn). |
| Food/Dietary | No specific food interactions. Oral intake should be monitored in patients requiring IV fluid therapy for volume or electrolyte disturbances. |
| Clinical Pearls | This solution provides 170 calories per liter from dextrose and is isotonic (308 mOsm/L). It is used for maintenance fluid therapy or replacement of mild hypotonic losses. Monitor serum sodium and glucose levels, especially in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or diabetes. Do not administer simultaneously with blood through the same IV line due to risk of hemolysis. Use with caution in patients with hyperglycemia or glucose intolerance. |
| Patient Advice | This IV fluid contains sugar (dextrose) and salt. · Notify your nurse if you experience swelling, shortness of breath, or pain at the infusion site. · Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney problems. · Do not stop the infusion or adjust the rate yourself. |
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