DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.075%
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose is a monosaccharide that provides a source of calories and may restore blood glucose levels. Sodium chloride and potassium chloride are electrolytes that maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Electrolytes are not metabolized but are excreted or reabsorbed by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water; excretion is primarily renal (as water and electrolytes). Sodium and chloride are excreted renally (95%), with minimal fecal (<5%). Potassium is excreted renally (90%) and fecally (10%). The combination is fully eliminated via renal excretion of ions and water. |
| Half-life | Dextrose: minutes (rapid cellular uptake). Sodium and chloride: half-life not applicable (regulated by renal function). Potassium: ~2-3 hours in normal renal function, prolonged in renal impairment. Clinical context: half-life of components reflects their distribution and elimination kinetics; potassium's half-life is most clinically relevant. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible (<1%). Sodium, chloride: not protein-bound. Potassium: negligible (<1%) |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: ~0.2 L/kg (related to extracellular fluid). Sodium and chloride: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular). Potassium: ~0.4 L/kg (total body water, 98% intracellular). Clinical meaning: reflects distribution primarily into extracellular fluid for sodium/chloride/glucose; potassium distributes into total body water with high intracellular uptake. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (only route). Oral: not administered orally; enteral absorption of components would be complete but route not used for this combination. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: glucose effects within minutes (plasma glucose elevation); electrolyte effects begin immediately upon infusion but clinical effects (e.g., repletion) occur over 1-2 hours. No other routes used. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: glucose effect lasts 1-2 hours post-infusion; electrolyte repletion effects persist for hours to days depending on infusion rate and renal function. Continuous infusion maintains steady state. |
| Molecular Weight | Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da; Potassium chloride: 74.55 Da |
Intravenous infusion. Typical adult dose is 500-1000 mL as a continuous infusion at a rate dependent on fluid and electrolyte needs, usually 80-200 mL/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Dose adjustments are primarily based on fluid and electrolyte status. In severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), use with caution due to risk of potassium accumulation; monitor serum potassium and consider reducing infusion rate or volume. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustments required for Child-Pugh class A, B, or C; however, monitor electrolytes in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based dosing: 5-10 mL/kg/dose as a continuous infusion or as needed for maintenance, with rate adjusted to avoid fluid overload. Maximum infusion rate: 5-10 mL/kg/hour depending on age and clinical status. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to decreased renal function and higher risk of fluid overload. Start at lower infusion rates (e.g., 50-100 mL/hour) and monitor serum electrolytes, renal function, and fluid status closely. |
| 1st trimester | Generally considered safe when used as clinically indicated. Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes. No known teratogenic effects at therapeutic doses. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe for use as clinically indicated to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for use as clinically indicated. Monitor for fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Dextrose readily crosses the placenta via facilitated diffusion. Sodium and potassium cross the placenta via active transport and passive diffusion, respectively. All are physiologic substances. |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose, sodium, and potassium are normal constituents of breast milk. Administration of this solution is unlikely to affect the infant adversely when used at recommended doses. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are physiological components; no teratogenic risk has been associated with their use at standard replacement doses. No fetal harm is expected during any trimester when used as clinically indicated. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose), fluid balance, and renal function. In pregnancy, monitor for signs of fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance, especially in preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose, sodium, and potassium are essential nutrients; replacement therapy does not impair reproductive function. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Not for use in patients with anuria, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, or conditions where administration of these electrolytes is contraindicated. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hyperglycemia (if dextrose contraindicated)HypernatremiaHyperkalemiaSevere fluid overloadAnuria or severe renal impairmentHypersensitivity to any component
| Precautions | Risk of hyperglycemia and hyperosmolality in patients with glucose intolerance, Risk of fluid and/or solute overload with pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure, Monitor serum electrolytes, blood glucose, and fluid balance, Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or hyperkalemia |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach during treatment to prevent hyperkalemia. Monitor dietary sodium intake. Dextrose may increase blood glucose; diabetic patients should follow their usual carbohydrate control measures. |
| Clinical Pearls | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment due to potassium accumulation. Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels during prolonged administration. Avoid in patients with hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, or fluid overload. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products due to risk of hemolysis. Check for compatibility with concomitant IV medications; potassium may cause precipitation with certain drugs. |
| Patient Advice | This solution is used to replace fluids and electrolytes. It contains dextrose (sugar), sodium, and potassium. · Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or if you are on a low-potassium diet. · Report any signs of too much potassium: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, tingling in hands/feet. · Report signs of high blood sugar: increased thirst, frequent urination, fruity breath. · Do not consume additional potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges) without consulting your doctor. · You may experience pain or swelling at the IV site; notify your nurse if this occurs. · Do not stop the infusion abruptly; it is regulated by your healthcare team. |
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