DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10MEQ
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides calories and serves as a source of energy through cellular glucose uptake and metabolism. Sodium chloride replenishes extracellular fluid and electrolytes. Potassium chloride replaces intracellular potassium, essential for neuromuscular and cardiac function.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle; sodium and potassium are primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: Dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water; sodium and potassium are excreted renally. Potassium excretion is 90% renal, 10% fecal. Sodium excretion is >95% renal. |
| Half-life | Dextrose: 1-2 hours (endogenous glucose turnover). Potassium: ~4-6 hours in healthy adults; prolonged in renal impairment. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible (<5%). Potassium: negligible (<5%). Sodium: negligible. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: ~0.2 L/kg (total body water). Sodium: ~0.6 L/kg. Potassium: ~0.4 L/kg (intracellular distribution). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate for hemodilution and electrolyte distribution; clinical effects (e.g., glucose elevation, volume expansion) within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Duration depends on infusion rate and patient status; effects persist while infusion continues and for ~2-4 hours after discontinuation for glucose and electrolytes. |
Intravenous infusion: 100-200 mL/hour, adjusting based on patient's fluid status, serum electrolytes, and clinical response. Typical administration rate for maintenance: 0.5-1.5 mL/kg/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | For GFR 30-59 mL/min: monitor potassium levels closely and consider reducing potassium content. For GFR <30 mL/min: avoid use or switch to potassium-free solution; adjust fluid rate based on urine output to avoid fluid overload. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh based adjustments for dextrose and sodium chloride; potassium chloride may require dose reduction in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of hyperkalemia; monitor potassium levels. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion: Infants and children: 3-5 mL/kg/hour for maintenance, adjusting based on age, weight, and clinical condition. Maximum rate: 5 mL/kg/hour. Monitor serum potassium and glucose closely. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly patients: initiate at lower infusion rates (0.5-1 mL/kg/hour) due to decreased renal function and higher risk of fluid overload and hyperkalemia. Monitor electrolytes and renal function frequently. |
| 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 | Dextrose and electrolytes are normal constituents of breast milk. D5 0.2% NaCl with KCl 10 mEq is considered compatible with breastfeeding; M/P ratio not applicable. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose and electrolytes are essential nutrients and are not teratogenic. No fetal risks identified in any trimester when administered as indicated. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA black box warning.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal impairment with oliguria or anuria","Hyperglycemia with coma","Hypersensitivity to any component"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of hyperglycemia in diabetic or glucose-intolerant patients","Risk of hyperkalemia in patients with renal impairment","Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels frequently","Use with caution in patients with heart failure or edema due to sodium load"] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride, glucose) and renal function. Fetal heart rate monitoring during administration for potential fluid or electrolyte imbalances. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose and electrolytes are essential for normal reproductive function. |