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Intravenous Electrolyte Solution/Discontinued

ISOLYTE R IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

ISOLYTE R IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

Clinical safety rating

caution

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


Mechanism of Action

Electrolyte and fluid replacement; dextrose provides caloric support.

What the body does with it

MetabolismDextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation; electrolytes are absorbed and excreted by the kidneys.
ExcretionRenal excretion of water and electrolytes; dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water. >90% of water and electrolytes are excreted renally; dextrose is fully metabolized.
Half-lifeNot applicable; components are endogenous substances. Dextrose has a plasma half-life of approximately 1.5-2.5 hours in normal glucose metabolism; electrolytes have half-lives dependent on renal function (e.g., sodium half-life ~1-2 days).
Protein bindingMinimal (<5%); electrolytes are not significantly protein-bound; dextrose does not bind to proteins.
Volume of DistributionElectrolytes distribute to total body water (~0.6 L/kg); dextrose distributes to extracellular fluid initially (~0.2 L/kg) then intracellularly.
BioavailabilityIntravenous: 100% bioavailability.
Onset of ActionIntravenous: Immediate (within seconds) for fluid and electrolyte effects; within minutes for dextrose metabolism.
Duration of ActionIntravenous: Duration is 1-2 hours for dextrose effects; electrolyte effects persist for several hours depending on renal function.
Molecular Weight180.16

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

Intravenous infusion; rate based on fluid and electrolyte requirements, typically 1-2 mL/kg/hour for maintenance in adults.

Dosage formINJECTABLE
Renal impairmentNo specific dose adjustment; monitor fluid and electrolyte status closely in renal impairment due to risk of volume overload and electrolyte disturbances.
Liver impairmentNo specific dose adjustment; monitor for fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances due to potential altered metabolism.
Pediatric useIntravenous infusion; rate based on weight: 100 mL/kg/day for first 10 kg, 50 mL/kg/day for next 10 kg, and 20 mL/kg/day for each kg above 20 kg.
Geriatric useUse with caution; consider lower infusion rates due to decreased renal function and risk of fluid overload; monitor electrolytes and renal function closely.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterGenerally considered safe if electrolyte imbalances or dehydration require correction; avoid excess volumes due to glucose load.
2nd trimesterSafe for fluid and electrolyte replacement; monitor maternal glucose and fetal growth.
3rd trimesterSafe when indicated; caution with high glucose load in gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Clinical note

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

Placental transferDextrose and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl-, acetate, gluconate) freely cross the placenta; amounts are physiological and not harmful at therapeutic doses.
BreastfeedingIsolyte R with dextrose is compatible with breastfeeding. Dextrose and electrolytes are present in breast milk at normal levels; infusion does not pose risk to infant.
Lactation RatingSafe
Teratogenic RiskDextrose 5% and electrolyte solutions (Isolyte R) are generally considered low risk. No specific teratogenic effects known. First trimester: no evidence of malformations. Second/third trimester: use as needed for fluid/electrolyte balance. Dextrose may cause maternal hyperglycemia, which can affect fetal glucose and insulin levels, potentially leading to fetal hyperinsulinism and neonatal hypoglycemia if maternal glucose is poorly controlled.
Fetal MonitoringMonitor maternal blood glucose, serum electrolytes, and fluid balance. In pregnancy, monitor for signs of fluid overload (edema, hypertension) and fetal heart rate if administered during labor. Assess for maternal hyperglycemia with continuous infusion.
Fertility EffectsNo known effects on fertility. Isolyte R is a maintenance electrolyte solution; no reproductive toxicity expected.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

Not for use in patients with hyperglycemia or certain electrolyte imbalances; solutions containing aluminum may be toxic with prolonged use in renally impaired patients.

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

HyperglycemiaHyperkalemiaSevere hyponatremiaAnuriaAcute pulmonary edema

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsMonitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, blood glucose; risk of hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, fluid overload; avoid in patients with renal impairment or heart failure.
Food/DietaryNo direct food interactions. However, dietary intake of electrolytes (e.g., potassium, sodium) should be considered in patients receiving this solution. Avoid high-potassium foods if hyperkalemia is a concern.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsISOLYTE R in Dextrose 5% is an isotonic solution used for fluid and electrolyte replacement. Monitor serum glucose and electrolytes, especially in diabetic patients. Avoid in patients with hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, or hyperlactatemia. Use with caution in renal impairment. The solution contains 130 mEq/L sodium, 4 mEq/L potassium, 3 mEq/L calcium, 1 mEq/L magnesium, 109 mEq/L chloride, 28 mEq/L lactate, and 5% dextrose. It provides 170 kcal/L. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products through same line.
Patient AdviceInform your healthcare provider if you have diabetes, kidney problems, or heart failure. · Report any signs of fluid overload (swelling, difficulty breathing) or electrolyte imbalance (muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat). · This solution contains sugar; monitor blood glucose if you have diabetes. · Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particles.

ISOLYTE R 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

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

External sources

DailyMed (NIH) PubMed OpenFDA