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Intravenous Electrolyte Solution/Discontinued

ISOLYTE E IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

ISOLYTE E IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

Clinical safety rating

caution

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


Mechanism of Action

ISOLYTE E is an intravenous electrolyte replacement solution that provides water, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, acetate, and gluconate), and bicarbonate precursors to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The acetate and gluconate ions are metabolized to bicarbonate in the liver, providing an alkaline buffer.

What the body does with it

MetabolismAcetate and gluconate are metabolized in the liver via the tricarboxylic acid cycle to bicarbonate; electrolytes are distributed in body fluids and excreted renally.
ExcretionRenal: >95% of administered electrolytes and water are excreted unchanged by the kidneys, primarily as urine. Biliary/fecal: <5% eliminated via feces, mainly unabsorbed components.
Half-lifeNot applicable as a single agent; components have variable half-lives (e.g., sodium and chloride distribute rapidly with an elimination half-life of 2-4 hours depending on renal function). In renal impairment, half-life may be prolonged.
Protein bindingMinimal to none: electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate are not protein-bound (<1%). Magnesium and calcium may have 30-50% binding to albumin, but overall negligible in solution.
Volume of DistributionDistributes primarily into extracellular fluid (ECF) with Vd approximately 0.2 L/kg for sodium and chloride; calcium and magnesium distribute into a larger volume (0.5-0.6 L/kg) due to intracellular uptake.
BioavailabilityIntravenous: 100% (complete systemic availability). Not administered orally or by other routes for systemic effect.
Onset of ActionIntravenous: Immediate (within seconds to minutes) as electrolytes and fluid are directly infused into the bloodstream.
Duration of ActionIntravenous: Duration depends on infusion rate and renal clearance; typical effects last for the duration of infusion and for 2-4 hours post-infusion for electrolyte balance.
Molecular WeightFor electrolytes: sodium 23.0, potassium 39.1, calcium 40.1, magnesium 24.3, chloride 35.5, acetate 59.0, gluconate 196.0; water 18.0. Not a single molecule.

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

Intravenous infusion; rate and volume determined by individual patient requirements for fluid and electrolyte replacement. Typical adult dose: 500-1000 mL as a single infusion, administered at a rate of 5-10 mL/min.

Dosage formINJECTABLE
Renal impairmentContraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min) due to risk of hyperkalemia. For GFR 30-50 mL/min, reduce infusion rate by 50% and monitor serum potassium closely. No adjustment needed for GFR > 50 mL/min.
Liver impairmentChild-Pugh Class A: no adjustment. Class B: reduce infusion rate by 25% and monitor serum potassium. Class C: use with caution; consider alternative solutions due to risk of electrolyte imbalance.
Pediatric useWeight-based dosing: 20-30 mL/kg as a single intravenous infusion, administered at a rate not exceeding 5 mL/kg/hour. Maximum total volume: 1000 mL. Adjust based on clinical status and serum electrolytes.
Geriatric useElderly patients may require reduced infusion rates (2-5 mL/min) due to decreased renal function and higher risk of fluid overload. Monitor serum potassium and renal function closely.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterGenerally considered safe when clinically indicated; contains electrolytes and water, no known teratogenic risk.
2nd trimesterSafe for use to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance; monitor for fluid overload.
3rd trimesterSafe for use; avoid excessive fluid volume due to risk of maternal and fetal complications.

Clinical note

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

Placental transferElectrolytes and water freely cross the placenta; no specific adverse effects expected.
BreastfeedingExcretion of electrolytes into breast milk is minimal and not clinically significant; compatible with breastfeeding.
Lactation RatingSafe
Teratogenic RiskISOLYTE E in plastic container is a balanced electrolyte solution without known teratogenic risk. No fetal harm has been documented in any trimester; however, excessive or rapid administration may cause maternal fluid and electrolyte disturbances that can indirectly affect the fetus. Use with caution in the setting of impaired uteroplacental perfusion.
Fetal MonitoringMonitor maternal vital signs, serum electrolytes (especially sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate), fluid balance, and urine output. In pregnancy, assess for signs of fluid overload, hypernatremia, or hyponatremia. Fetal monitoring (heart rate tracing) is indicated if maternal status is compromised or if rapid infusion occurs.
Fertility EffectsNo known effects on fertility. ISOLYTE E is a physiological electrolyte solution and is not expected to impair reproductive function.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

None

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any componentSignificant fluid overloadSevere electrolyte disturbances uncorrected by product

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsMonitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and renal function regularly. Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or conditions predisposing to hypervolemia. Avoid rapid infusion; extravasation may cause tissue damage. Contains aluminum, which may accumulate in renal impairment.
Food/DietaryNo direct food interactions; however, patients should avoid high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, tomatoes) if hyperkalemia is a concern. Monitor dietary sodium and fluid intake as per clinical status.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsISOLYTE E is a balanced electrolyte solution with 5% dextrose, used for maintenance fluid therapy. Monitor serum potassium closely in renal impairment; contains 20 mEq/L potassium. Caution in patients with hyperkalemia, renal failure, or metabolic alkalosis. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products due to risk of hemolysis. Observe for signs of fluid overload in patients with heart failure.
Patient AdviceThis solution is used to replace fluids and electrolytes and provide calories. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or are on a low-potassium diet. Report any swelling, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. Do not take over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting your doctor.

ISOLYTE E 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

ACETATED RINGER'S IN PLASTIC CONTAINERISOLYTE E IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINERISOLYTE E W/ DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINERISOLYTE H IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINERISOLYTE H W/ DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

External sources

DailyMed (NIH) PubMed OpenFDA