DEXTROSE 5%, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 15MEQ IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose provides caloric support and maintains blood glucose levels; sodium chloride and potassium chloride restore electrolyte balance and maintain osmolality.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; electrolytes are not metabolized but excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Potassium is primarily excreted renally (90%), with minor fecal loss (10%). Dextrose and sodium are fully metabolized or excreted renally; dextrose undergoes cellular metabolism, and sodium is excreted renally via glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption. |
| Half-life | Not applicable as dextrose, sodium, and potassium are endogenous substances; their elimination reflects physiologic clearance. Potassium has an effective half-life of ~12-24 hours depending on renal function and distribution. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose: negligible (<1%). Sodium: negligible. Potassium: negligible. None bind to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: ~0.4-0.6 L/kg (total body water). Dextrose: distributes into total body water (~0.6 L/kg). Sodium: distributes primarily in extracellular fluid (~0.2 L/kg). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% for all components. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate upon infusion for electrolyte and caloric effects; glucose utilization begins within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Duration depends on infusion rate and metabolic demands; effects persist as long as infusion continues. For electrolyte repletion, sustained effect for hours after discontinuation due to distribution. |
Intravenous infusion; adult dose determined by fluid, electrolyte, and caloric needs; typical rate 100-200 mL/hour; maximum infusion rate 25 g/hour (500 mL/hour of D5) to avoid hyperglycemia; potassium dose not to exceed 10 mEq/hour; usual daily potassium requirement 40-100 mEq.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR >50 mL/min: no adjustment; GFR 30-50 mL/min: reduce potassium content by 50% or use with caution; GFR <30 mL/min: avoid potassium containing solutions unless hypokalemia confirmed; monitor potassium levels closely. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B: caution with potassium load, monitor potassium levels; Child-Pugh C: avoid potassium containing solutions due to risk of hyperkalemia; dextrose metabolism may be impaired, monitor blood glucose. |
| Pediatric use | Neonates, infants, children: intravenous infusion based on maintenance fluid and electrolyte requirements; dextrose dose 5-20 mg/kg/min (3-6 mg/kg/min for neonates); potassium 1-2 mEq/kg/day; maximum potassium infusion rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hour; adjust based on serum potassium and glucose monitoring. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower infusion rates (50-100 mL/hour) due to decreased renal function and higher risk of fluid overload; potassium supplementation adjusted for reduced GFR; monitor serum potassium and glucose frequently; avoid rapid correction of potassium deficits. |
| 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 | Considered compatible with breastfeeding. Electrolytes and dextrose are normal blood constituents; no expected adverse effects on infant. M/P ratio: not applicable (no active transport). |
| Teratogenic Risk | No known teratogenic effects from dextrose, sodium chloride, or potassium chloride at therapeutic doses. Trimester-specific risks: none identified. However, electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia) during pregnancy may indirectly affect fetal development. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Not for use in patients with intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage, or in patients with known hypersensitivity to corn products (dextrose).
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Hypersensitivity to any component","Intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage","Severe dehydration with hypernatremia"]
| Precautions | ["Monitor serum electrolytes, blood glucose, and fluid status","Risk of hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances","Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or diabetes"] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes, glucose, fluid balance, and renal function. Fetal monitoring indicated for signs of fluid overload or electrolyte disturbances (e.g., fetal tachycardia in hyperkalemia). |
| Fertility Effects | No adverse effects on fertility reported with standard doses. Electrolyte disturbances may impact reproductive function but are avoided with appropriate dosing. |