DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.33% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10MEQ IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides a source of carbohydrates for caloric support; sodium chloride and potassium chloride provide electrolytes for maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. Potassium is essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle; potassium is excreted primarily by the kidneys; sodium is excreted mainly by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Glucose: primarily metabolized to CO2 and water; renal excretion negligible. Sodium: >90% renal. Potassium: ~90% renal, 10% fecal. Chloride: primarily renal. |
| Half-life | Glucose: ~1-2 hours (rapid clearance). Sodium and potassium: no true half-life; regulated by renal function. Clinical context: IV infusion effects decay rapidly upon cessation due to redistribution and metabolism. |
| Protein binding | Glucose: negligible (<5%). Sodium and potassium: not protein bound. Chloride: not bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Glucose: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid). Sodium: ~0.55 L/kg (total body water). Potassium: ~4 L/kg (intracellular). Chloride: ~0.3 L/kg (extracellular). Clinical meaning: reflects body water compartments. |
| Bioavailability | 100% by IV route; not administered orally. |
| Onset of Action | Immediate upon IV infusion for correction of electrolyte imbalances and provision of free water/calories. |
| Duration of Action | Glucose: 1-2 hours post-infusion. Electrolyte effects persist as long as infusion continues; transient after stop. Clinical note: continuous infusion required to maintain levels. |
| Molecular Weight | 180.16 |
Intravenous infusion: 500-1000 mL over 2-6 hours, rate dependent on fluid and electrolyte status; typical maintenance: 1-2 mL/kg/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 50-90: no adjustment; GFR 10-50: reduce potassium content or monitor potassium levels closely; GFR <10: avoid unless potassium is contraindicated, use potassium-free alternatives. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B/C: monitor potassium levels due to risk of hyperkalemia from impaired renal clearance; no specific dose reduction. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based: 5-10 mL/kg per dose, up to 20 mL/kg over 4-6 hours for maintenance; monitor serum potassium and glucose levels. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly: use smaller volumes (e.g., 250-500 mL) and slower rates (e.g., over 4-6 hours) to reduce risk of fluid overload; monitor renal function and electrolytes frequently. |
| 1st trimester | No evidence of teratogenicity from dextrose, sodium, or potassium at therapeutic doses. Use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe at standard doses. Monitor electrolyte levels and fluid status. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe at standard doses. Use with caution in preeclampsia or renal impairment. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Crosses placenta readily; dextrose and electrolytes are actively transported. Fetal levels equilibrate with maternal serum. |
| Breastfeeding | Excretion into breast milk is minimal. Dextrose, sodium, and potassium are normal constituents of milk. Safe when used at recommended doses. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes; no teratogenic risk is expected when administered at physiological doses. Pregnancy category C for potassium chloride at supraphysiological doses, but standard replacement therapy is considered safe. No fetal risks associated with dextrose or sodium chloride when used appropriately. First trimester: No known teratogenicity. Second/third trimester: No adverse fetal effects at recommended doses. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium), glucose, fluid status, and renal function. In pregnancy, monitor for signs of fluid overload, hyperkalemia, or hyperglycemia. Fetal monitoring indicated if maternal electrolyte disturbances occur or if administered at high rates. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride do not impair reproductive function when used at therapeutic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperglycemiaHypernatremiaHyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaFluid overload states (e.g., congestive heart failure)
| Precautions | Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Monitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and renal function, Avoid rapid infusion to prevent hyperglycemia and hyperkalemia, May cause fluid overload in patients with compromised cardiac or renal function |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid high-potassium foods (bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes) while receiving this infusion to prevent hyperkalemia. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium chloride. |
| Clinical Pearls | This combination solution provides maintenance fluids with supplemental potassium. Avoid use in patients with hyperkalemia, renal failure, or severe dehydration. Monitor serum potassium and renal function. Do not administer rapidly to avoid hyperkalemia. Contraindicated in patients with elevated potassium levels or conditions causing potassium retention. |
| Patient Advice | This solution contains potassium; do not take extra potassium supplements unless prescribed. · Report symptoms of high potassium (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, tingling). · Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or are on potassium-sparing diuretics. · This is for intravenous use only; do not ingest. · Notify nurse if you experience pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. |
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