DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides calories and serves as a source of glucose, which is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, yielding energy. Sodium and chloride are major electrolytes that maintain osmolality and acid-base balance. Potassium is essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and maintaining intracellular tonicity.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; sodium and chloride are not metabolized; potassium is excreted primarily by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: >95% as free glucose, sodium, and potassium. Biliary/fecal: <5%. |
| Half-life | Glucose: 1.5–2 hours (endogenous); sodium and potassium follow body homeostatic regulation with no defined half-life in isolation. |
| Protein binding | Glucose: negligible (<5%); potassium: none; sodium: none. |
| Volume of Distribution | Glucose: 0.2–0.4 L/kg (extracellular fluid); sodium: 0.15–0.3 L/kg; potassium: 4–5 L/kg (distributes into cells). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (within seconds to minutes) for hemodynamic and electrolyte effects. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: 1–2 hours for glucose elevation; electrolyte effects persist until redistribution or renal excretion. |
| Molecular Weight | Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da; Potassium chloride: 74.55 Da (mixture, no single MW) |
Intravenous infusion; dose determined by individual patient requirements, fluid and electrolyte status, serum potassium concentration, and acid-base balance; typical adult rate: 100-200 mL/hour (up to 2 L/day) as maintenance fluid.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR >50 mL/min: no adjustment; GFR 10-50 mL/min: reduce potassium chloride dose by 25-50% and monitor serum potassium; GFR <10 mL/min: avoid potassium chloride or use with extreme caution, reduce dose by 50-75%. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B/C: use with caution, monitor serum potassium and fluid status, as hepatic impairment may affect potassium handling; no specific dose reduction guidelines. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion; weight-based: 100-120 mL/kg/day for maintenance, adjusted for losses; potassium chloride content provides 0.5-1 mEq/kg/day typically; infusion rate not to exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hour of potassium. |
| Geriatric use | Use lower initial doses; monitor renal function and serum potassium closely; typical maintenance fluid rate 50-100 mL/hour due to decreased renal reserve and higher risk of fluid overload and hyperkalemia. |
| 1st trimester | Dextrose and electrolytes are generally safe when used for maternal hydration and electrolyte replacement; no known teratogenicity. Potassium chloride may cause hyperkalemia if excessive, but standard replacement doses are safe. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe and commonly used for maintenance fluids; monitor for electrolyte imbalances, especially in pregnancy-induced hypertension or renal impairment. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for fluid and electrolyte maintenance; avoid overhydration in preeclampsia or oligohydramnios; potassium supplementation should be guided by serum levels. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | All components cross the placenta. Dextrose crosses freely via facilitated diffusion; sodium and potassium cross via active transport and placental regulation. Clinically used for fetal hydration and electrolyte balance without known adverse effects at standard doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and sodium chloride are normal constituents of breast milk and safe. Potassium chloride is also normal; doses up to 30 mEq/L are unlikely to affect infant. Monitor infant for electrolyte disturbances if maternal renal function impaired. |
| Lactation Rating | L1: Compatible |
| Teratogenic Risk | No evidence of teratogenicity in animal or human studies. Dextrose and electrolytes are physiological components; potassium chloride at recommended doses is not associated with fetal malformations. Use in pregnancy is generally safe when clinically indicated. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, glucose), fluid balance, and renal function. Fetal monitoring as per clinical situation (e.g., fetal heart rate in preterm labor or maternal ketoacidosis). |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hyperkalemia (serum K+ >5.5 mEq/L)Hypersensitivity to any componentSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaSevere hyperglycemia (blood glucose >300 mg/dL) without insulin coverageHypernatremia (serum Na+ >150 mEq/L)
| Precautions | Risk of hyperglycemia and hyperosmolality in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, or renal failure, Potential for fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, or acidosis, Administer with caution in patients with heart failure, pulmonary edema, or renal impairment, Monitor serum glucose, electrolytes, and fluid balance |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions, but consider total intake of potassium and sodium from diet. Patients on potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors should avoid high-potassium foods (bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes, tomatoes). Avoid salt substitutes high in potassium. |
| Clinical Pearls | Contains 5% dextrose (50 g/L), 0.2% NaCl (34 mEq/L Na+), and 30 mEq/L K+. Used for maintenance or replacement of fluid, electrolytes, and calories. Monitor serum potassium closely in renal impairment. Contraindicated in hyperkalemia, severe renal failure, or anuria. Do not administer IV faster than 10 mEq/hour potassium; max concentration via peripheral line is 40 mEq/L. Check for compatibility when adding medications. |
| Patient Advice | This solution is given through a vein to provide fluids, sugar, and potassium. · Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems or high potassium levels. · Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. · Do not stop the infusion or adjust the rate yourself. · Inform your doctor if you are on a low-potassium diet. |
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