Logo

OpiCalc

FavoritesSpecialtiesDrugsGuidelinesMost Used

Quick Access

Favorites
Most Used

All Specialties

OpiCalc Logo
Clinical CalculatorsDrugsGuidelines
SpecsDrugsGuides
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
OpiCalc Logo

OpiCalc

Easy, fast, and private medical tools for clinicians. Always free.

No Login Required
Ready for the Bedside

Resources

About UsEditorial PolicyMedical DisclaimerPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseCookie Policy

Support

Contact Us

Clinical Notice:OpiCalc is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always verify dosages and guidelines.

OpiCalc © 2018-2026

•

All Rights Reserved

Registry Hub
Intravenous Electrolyte Solution with Dextrose/Discontinued

ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

Clinical safety rating

caution

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).


Mechanism of Action

Isolyte E in Dextrose 5% provides fluid, electrolytes, and calories. Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, yielding energy. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, acetate, gluconate) maintain acid-base balance and osmotic pressure.

What the body does with it

MetabolismDextrose undergoes glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; electrolytes are not metabolized but are excreted or incorporated into body pools.
ExcretionISOLYTE E in Dextrose 5% is a balanced electrolyte solution with glucose. Electrolytes are primarily excreted renally; water and dextrose are metabolized. Biliary/fecal excretion is negligible. Dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water.
Half-lifeNot applicable; components are endogenous substances. Dextrose half-life ~15-20 min after infusion; electrolytes distribute and are cleared renally with half-lives dependent on renal function.
Protein bindingNone for electrolytes and dextrose; sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, acetate, and gluconate are free ions in solution.
Volume of DistributionSodium and chloride distribute primarily in extracellular fluid (~0.2 L/kg). Dextrose distributes in total body water (~0.6 L/kg). Potassium distributes in intracellular fluid (~0.6 L/kg after equilibration).
Bioavailability100% intravenous; not administered by other routes.
Onset of ActionImmediate upon intravenous infusion; clinical effect (electrolyte and fluid replacement) begins within minutes.
Duration of ActionDuration depends on infusion rate and renal function; typically 1-2 hours for glucose effect (insulin response), electrolytes persist until redistributed/excreted. Continuous infusion required for maintenance.
Molecular Weight180.16

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

Intravenous infusion; typical adult dose is 1000-2000 mL per day (30 mL/kg/day) adjusted for fluid and electrolyte needs; rate based on clinical status.

Dosage formINJECTABLE
Renal impairmentIn renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²), reduce total volume to 500-1000 mL/day with careful monitoring of potassium, sodium, and glucose; avoid if hyperkalemia or fluid overload.
Liver impairmentNo specific dose adjustment for Child-Pugh class; monitor for fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances; in severe hepatic impairment, reduce volume to 500-1000 mL/day.
Pediatric useWeight-based: 20-50 mL/kg/day for maintenance; neonates and infants: 100-150 mL/kg/day; adjust based on glucose, electrolytes, and hydration status; maximum rate 4 mL/kg/hour for neonates.
Geriatric useStart with lower volumes (500-1000 mL/day) due to decreased renal function and risk of fluid overload; monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and central venous pressure.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterISOLYTE E in Dextrose 5% is generally considered safe when clinically indicated. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus.
2nd trimesterSafe when administered as per clinical requirements. No known teratogenic effects from dextrose or electrolyte components.
3rd trimesterSafe for use during labor and delivery to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Monitor for fluid overload and glucose levels.

Clinical note

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).

Placental transferDextrose crosses placenta freely via facilitated diffusion; electrolytes cross based on concentration gradients. Degree variable, but generally complete equilibration occurs.
BreastfeedingDextrose and electrolytes pass into breast milk in minimal amounts. Considered compatible with breastfeeding; use caution if infant has glucose intolerance or electrolyte imbalances.
Lactation RatingL1 (Safe)
Teratogenic RiskISOLYTE E in Dextrose 5% is an intravenous electrolyte and carbohydrate solution. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Dextrose and electrolytes are considered essential nutrients and are generally safe when used as indicated. However, administration during labor and delivery may cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances. First trimester risks are theoretical; second and third trimesters may involve risks of maternal hyperglycemia and fetal hyperinsulinemia if dextrose infusion is excessive. No specific teratogenicity reported.
Fetal MonitoringMonitor maternal serum electrolytes, glucose, and fluid balance. Assess for signs of fluid overload (e.g., edema, pulmonary congestion). In pregnancy, monitor fetal heart rate and uterine activity during infusion. Monitor maternal blood glucose, especially in gestational diabetes or when dextrose load is high. Assess for maternal hypoglycemia after discontinuation.
Fertility EffectsNo known adverse effects on fertility. Dextrose and electrolyte solutions are standard components of maintenance therapy; no impairment of reproductive function has been reported.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

Not applicable; no FDA boxed warning exists for this product.

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

Hyperglycemia with concurrent insulin deficiencyIntracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage (when used as vehicle for certain drugs)Severe electrolyte disorders (e.g., hypernatremia, hyperkalemia) not correctedAnuria, oliguria, or end-stage renal disease with fluid overload

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsMonitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and glucose levels; avoid fluid overload in patients with cardiac or renal impairment; risk of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients; use with caution in patients with metabolic alkalosis or hypokalemia.
Food/DietaryNo specific food interactions known. Monitor electrolyte intake in patients with electrolyte imbalances.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsISOLYTE E in DEXTROSE 5% is an isotonic crystalloid solution for IV administration. Contains electrolytes (Na, K, Mg, Cl, acetate, gluconate) and dextrose 5%. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or hyperkalemia. Monitor serum electrolytes, blood glucose, and fluid balance. Not for use as a sole source of nutrition. Do not administer if solution is discolored or contains particulates.
Patient AdviceInform your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, especially kidney disease, heart failure, or diabetes. · Report any signs of allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or trouble breathing. · Tell your doctor if you experience swelling, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. · This solution contains dextrose (sugar); monitor blood glucose if you have diabetes. · Do not use if the bag is damaged or solution is cloudy.

ISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER Interactions

Loading safety data…

This overview is compiled from peer-reviewed clinical sources and FDA labeling. It's here to support — not replace — clinical judgment. Always verify dosing against your institution's current protocols before prescribing.

On this page

Mechanism of ActionDosing & administrationUse during pregnancyWarnings & precautionsDrug interactions

Compare with

ISOLYTE E W/ DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINERISOLYTE H IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

External sources

DailyMed (NIH) PubMed OpenFDA