DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose is a monosaccharide that provides a source of calories and hydration. Sodium chloride and potassium chloride replace extracellular fluid and electrolytes.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Electrolytes are excreted or retained based on renal function. |
| Excretion | Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, with negligible renal elimination of unchanged glucose unless hyperglycemia exceeds renal threshold. Sodium and chloride are primarily excreted renally, with >90% of filtered sodium reabsorbed; potassium is predominantly excreted renally (90%) with minor fecal loss (<10%) under normal renal function. |
| Half-life | Not applicable as a primary pharmacokinetic parameter for this combination; dextrose follows glucose disposition with a half-life of approximately 1-2 hours in euglycemic individuals, prolonged in diabetes. Electrolytes distribute and are eliminated with functional half-lives reflecting renal handling (e.g., potassium half-life ~6-8 hours). |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible (<1%); sodium: negligible; chloride: negligible; potassium: negligible (<1% bound to albumin). |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: approximately 0.2-0.3 L/kg (mainly extracellular fluid); sodium: 0.25 L/kg (extracellular); chloride: 0.25 L/kg; potassium: approximately 0.5 L/kg (distributes into intracellular compartment). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (complete bioavailability); not administered via other routes. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate upon infusion; dextrose increases blood glucose within minutes; electrolyte effects occur as the solution is administered. |
| Duration of Action | Duration is infusion-dependent; after discontinuation, dextrose effects persist for ~30-60 minutes depending on metabolic state; electrolyte effects persist until renal excretion; clinical guidelines recommend monitoring for volume and electrolyte status during and after administration. |
Intravenous infusion; rate and volume determined by patient's fluid, electrolyte, and caloric requirements; typical adult dose is 1000-2000 mL per 24 hours, infused at a rate of 50-100 mL/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | In patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), reduce volume and monitor potassium closely; may require potassium restriction; dosing based on fluid and electrolyte status. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment for Child-Pugh class A or B; in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C), monitor potassium and glucose levels; adjust rate to avoid fluid overload. |
| Pediatric use | Dose based on weight: 100-200 mL/kg per 24 hours for maintenance; adjust for dehydration or electrolyte deficits; typical infusion rate 5-10 mL/kg/hour; maximum rate 15 mL/kg/hour. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to increased risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalances; start at lower end of dosing range; monitor renal function and cardiac status; avoid rapid infusion. |
| 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, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are normal constituents of human milk and are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. M/P ratio: Not applicable as these are endogenous substances. The use of this solution is considered compatible with breastfeeding, provided maternal electrolyte and glucose levels are maintained within normal ranges. |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA black box warning.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Hyperglycemia with severe dehydration","Anuria or severe renal failure","Acute intracranial hemorrhage (dextrose-containing solutions)","Hypersensitivity to any component"]
| Precautions | ["Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or edema","Monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and fluid status","Risk of hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, or fluid overload","Avoid in patients with intracranial hemorrhage or hemolytic anemia"] |
Loading safety data…
| Dextrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are physiological components present in normal body fluids. There is no evidence of teratogenic risk with appropriate use during pregnancy. However, electrolyte imbalances or hyperglycemia from improper administration could pose risks to the fetus. High doses of dextrose in the third trimester may cause fetal hyperinsulinemia and neonatal hypoglycemia. Overall, FDA Pregnancy Category C: risk cannot be ruled out, but use when clearly needed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), glucose levels, fluid balance, and acid-base status, especially with prolonged or rapid infusion. Fetal monitoring (ultrasound, heart rate) is not specifically required but should follow standard obstetric care. In cases of maternal hyperglycemia (e.g., dextrose > 10%), consider monitoring for fetal hyperinsulinemia. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility from dextrose, sodium chloride, or potassium chloride at therapeutic doses. These substances are essential nutrients, and their administration in appropriate amounts is not expected to impair reproductive function. |