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Intravenous Electrolyte Solution/Discontinued

ISOLYTE S IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

ISOLYTE S IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

Clinical safety rating

caution

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


Mechanism of Action

Isolyte S is an electrolyte and fluid replenisher. It provides water and essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, acetate, gluconate) to restore and maintain extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance. Acetate and gluconate are metabolized to bicarbonate, serving as bicarbonate precursors to help correct metabolic acidosis.

What the body does with it

MetabolismAcetate and gluconate are metabolized via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle primarily in the liver, producing bicarbonate; acetate is also metabolized peripherally. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride are excreted renally with minimal hepatic metabolism.
ExcretionThe electrolytes in ISOLYTE S are primarily excreted via renal elimination. Sodium and chloride are almost entirely excreted by the kidneys, with minimal biliary or fecal elimination (<2%). Potassium is predominantly excreted renally (90%), with approximately 10% eliminated via feces. Magnesium and calcium are mainly excreted in urine (70-80% for magnesium, 20-30% for calcium) with some biliary/fecal excretion. Acetate and gluconate are metabolized to bicarbonate and excreted renally.
Half-lifeThe terminal elimination half-life for the individual electrolytes varies: Sodium has a half-life of approximately 2-4 hours depending on hydration and renal function; potassium has a half-life of 5-7 hours in normal renal function; magnesium has a half-life of 24-72 hours; calcium has a half-life of 3-6 hours. Clinically, the half-life is prolonged in renal impairment, necessitating dose adjustment.
Protein bindingMinimal protein binding for most electrolytes: sodium (<5%), potassium (<5%), chloride (<5%), and magnesium (20-30% to albumin). Calcium is 40-50% bound to albumin and other proteins. Acetate and gluconate are not protein bound.
Volume of DistributionSodium: Vd of 0.25-0.35 L/kg, reflecting distribution primarily in extracellular fluid. Potassium: Vd of 0.4-0.6 L/kg, distributed in both intracellular and extracellular fluid. Magnesium: Vd of 0.5-0.8 L/kg. Calcium: Vd of 0.2-0.3 L/kg. These values indicate that electrolytes distribute widely but predominantly in various body compartments.
BioavailabilityBioavailability is 100% for all components when administered intravenously. For oral administration (not applicable here), bioavailability would vary, but for IV formulation, complete bioavailability is assumed.
Onset of ActionIntravenous administration: Immediate onset of action for electrolyte replacement, with clinical effects on serum electrolyte levels observed within minutes to hours depending on the specific ion and infusion rate.
Duration of ActionDuration of electrolyte effects is proportional to the administered dose and patient's renal function; typically, correction of electrolyte imbalances lasts 4-6 hours for sodium and potassium, while magnesium and calcium effects may persist for 24-48 hours. Continuous infusion is required for sustained correction.
Molecular WeightN/A (mixture; components: dextrose ~180, sodium 23, potassium 39, etc.)

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

Intravenous administration, typical adult dose is 500-1000 mL per hour, adjusted based on clinical status and electrolyte needs.

Dosage formINJECTABLE
Renal impairmentFor GFR <30 mL/min, use with caution and monitor electrolytes; dose reduction may be required based on serum potassium and other electrolytes.
Liver impairmentNo specific Child-Pugh based adjustment; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance.
Pediatric usePediatric dosing is weight-based: 20-30 mL/kg as a single dose, then titrate based on clinical response and electrolyte levels.
Geriatric useGeriatric patients: use lower initial doses (e.g., 250-500 mL over 2-4 hours) and monitor for fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances due to decreased renal function.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterIsolyte S in plastic container is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clinically indicated. No known teratogenic effects. Use only if clearly needed.
2nd trimesterSafe to use. Isolyte S provides balanced electrolytes and fluid resuscitation. No known fetal harm.
3rd trimesterSafe to use. Monitor for fluid overload in the mother, especially in preeclampsia or compromised cardiac function.

Clinical note

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

Placental transferElectrolytes and dextrose readily cross the placenta. No significant binding or active transport limitation.
BreastfeedingIsolyte S contains components that are normal constituents of breast milk. Use caution if the mother requires high volumes, but generally compatible with breastfeeding.
Lactation RatingL1 - Safest
Teratogenic RiskFDA pregnancy category C. No well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed. No specific fetal risks known; risk-benefit assessment required.
Fetal MonitoringMonitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, renal function, and signs of fluid overload; fetal heart rate monitoring if indicated for maternal condition.
Fertility EffectsNo known adverse effects on fertility. No reproductive toxicity studies available.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

None.

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any componentSevere hypernatremiaSevere hyperkalemiaAcute pulmonary edemaAnuria associated with renal failure

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsRisk of fluid overload and congestive heart failure in patients with renal impairment or cardiac disease., Electrolyte disturbances: hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, hyperchloremia, acidosis or alkalosis., Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment, liver disease, or conditions predisposing to electrolyte imbalances., Avoid rapid infusion in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
Food/DietaryNo specific food interactions. Monitor sodium and fluid intake in patients with hypertension, heart failure, or renal impairment.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsISOLYTE S is a balanced electrolyte solution for maintenance and replacement therapy. Contains acetate and gluconate as bicarbonate precursors; avoid in patients with severe metabolic alkalosis or hyperkalemia. Use with caution in renal impairment, heart failure, or edema. Monitor serum electrolytes, acid-base balance, and renal function. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products via same IV line due to risk of hemolysis.
Patient AdviceThis solution is used to replace fluids and electrolytes in your body. · Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart failure, or fluid retention. · Report any swelling, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. · Do not drink alcohol while receiving this treatment. · Follow any dietary restrictions as advised by your healthcare provider.

ISOLYTE S 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