DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.33% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.075% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose 5% provides free water and calories for cellular metabolism, with glucose being the primary energy source. Sodium chloride 0.33% restores sodium and chloride ions to maintain extracellular fluid osmolality and acid-base balance. Potassium chloride 0.075% replenishes potassium, essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and enzymatic reactions.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, primarily in the liver and peripheral tissues. Sodium and chloride are excreted renally with minimal metabolism. Potassium is excreted renally (90%) and fecally (10%), with active reabsorption in the distal tubules. |
| Excretion | Dextrose: nearly completely metabolized to CO2 and water, with <1% excreted unchanged in urine. Sodium and chloride: primarily excreted renally, with >90% of filtered load reabsorbed; excretion varies with dietary intake and homeostatic mechanisms. Potassium: >90% excreted renally, with the remainder in feces and sweat. |
| Half-life | Dextrose: <15 minutes (rapid cellular uptake and metabolism). Electrolytes: sodium and chloride have no defined half-life due to rapid distribution and renal regulation; potassium half-life approximately 1-1.5 hours in plasma following intravenous administration. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible (<5%). Sodium and chloride: unbound. Potassium: negligible binding. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: approximately 0.15-0.25 L/kg (extracellular fluid). Sodium: 0.1-0.2 L/kg (primarily extracellular). Chloride: similar to sodium. Potassium: 0.4-0.5 L/kg (distributes across total body water). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% for all components. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous infusion: immediate upon infusion for fluid and electrolyte effects; glucose effects on blood glucose within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Fluid and electrolyte effects persist during and shortly after infusion (minutes to hours depending on infusion rate and renal function); glucose effects last until metabolized or stored (typically 1-2 hours after infusion). |
| Molecular Weight | Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da; Potassium chloride: 74.55 Da |
Intravenous infusion. Dose determined by fluid, electrolyte, and caloric requirements. Typical adult dose: 500-1000 mL as a single infusion at a rate of 100-200 mL/hour, based on clinical status.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Use with caution in renal impairment. For GFR 10-50 mL/min, reduce potassium content or use with caution; for GFR <10 mL/min, avoid potassium-containing solutions unless hypokalemia is present. Monitor serum potassium frequently. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment required for Child-Pugh A or B. For Child-Pugh C, monitor glucose and electrolytes due to altered metabolism; consider dextrose content and potassium load. |
| Pediatric use | Dose based on weight: 5-20 mL/kg per infusion, titrated to clinical need. Maximum infusion rate: 0.5 g/kg/hour of dextrose. Potassium dose: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/day, not to exceed 3 mEq/kg/day. Monitor serum electrolytes. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to potential for fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, or glucose intolerance. Start with lower infusion rates (50-100 mL/hour) and monitor renal function, serum potassium, and blood glucose closely. |
| 1st trimester | Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes. Dextrose provides caloric support; sodium and potassium are critical for fluid and electrolyte balance. No teratogenic effects have been reported with standard doses. Use is generally considered safe when clinically indicated. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as T1. No increased risk of fetal harm with appropriate use. |
| 3rd trimester | Same as T1. Monitor maternal fluid and electrolyte status to avoid imbalances that could affect the fetus. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Dextrose crosses placenta via facilitated diffusion; sodium and potassium cross via active transport. All are essential nutrients with regulated transfer. No evidence of accumulation or harm. |
| Breastfeeding | All components are normal constituents of breast milk and are expected to pass into milk in small amounts. Dextrose, sodium, and potassium are not known to cause adverse effects in nursing infants. Use is compatible with breastfeeding when clinically indicated. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | No known teratogenic risk. Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are normal constituents of body fluids; no evidence of fetal harm at standard infusion rates. Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose), urine output, fluid balance. Fetal monitoring for signs of electrolyte disturbance or volume overload in high-risk pregnancies. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperglycemiaHypernatremiaHyperkalemiaSevere fluid overloadAcute intracranial hemorrhage (for hypotonic solutions)
| Precautions | Risk of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients or those with glucose intolerance, Hyperkalemia may occur in patients with renal impairment or when potassium is administered rapidly, Fluid overload in patients with congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency, Electrolyte imbalances (hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hyperchloremia) require monitoring, Extravasation may cause tissue necrosis |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions. Dextrose provides calories (3.4 kcal/g) and may affect blood glucose; diabetic patients may require insulin adjustment. Avoid excessive dietary potassium intake while receiving this solution. No specific alcohol interaction. |
| Clinical Pearls | This fixed-combination solution provides 5% dextrose (3.4 kcal/g), sodium 14 mEq/L, chloride 19 mEq/L, and potassium 10 mEq/L. Osmolarity ~308 mOsm/L. Useful for maintenance or replacement when mild potassium depletion coexists with hyponatremia or hypochloremia. Monitor serum potassium and renal function; avoid in severe hyperkalemia, renal failure, or hyperglycemia. Not for initial resuscitation of hypovolemia due to hypotonicity. Check IV site for phlebitis. |
| Patient Advice | This solution provides sugar (dextrose), salt, and potassium. It is given intravenously to maintain fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. Notify your provider if you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or muscle weakness. · Do not suddenly stop the infusion without medical advice. This product may affect blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. · Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, or are on a potassium-restricted diet. |
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