PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
cautionComprehensive clinical and safety monograph for PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
PLASMA-LYTE 56 is an isotonic crystalloid solution that provides electrolytes and water to maintain or restore intravascular volume and electrolyte balance. It expands extracellular fluid volume and improves circulation by increasing plasma volume. The solution's electrolyte composition mimics plasma, helping to correct electrolyte deficits and acid-base disturbances.
| Metabolism | PLASMA-LYTE 56 is a crystalloid solution; its components are not metabolized. Electrolytes are distributed and eliminated via renal excretion and normal physiological pathways. The solution itself is not subject to hepatic metabolism. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal; >90% of infused electrolytes are excreted unchanged in urine; fecal elimination negligible (<5%). |
| Half-life | Not applicable as a fixed value; infused electrolytes distribute and are eliminated according to individual ion kinetics (e.g., sodium t½ ~30 min, chloride t½ ~1–2 h) with rapid redistribution. |
| Protein binding | Minimal (<5%); electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, K+, Mg2+, acetate, gluconate) are not significantly protein-bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.2–0.3 L/kg for sodium and chloride, corresponding to extracellular fluid volume; distributed throughout ECF. |
| Bioavailability | 100% by intravenous route; not administered orally (bioavailability not applicable). |
| Onset of Action | Immediate; intravenous infusion achieves plasma volume expansion and electrolyte correction within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Short; effects on volume and electrolytes persist for 2–4 hours post-infusion, depending on renal function and ongoing losses. |
| Molecular Weight | Not applicable (multiple components: sodium 56 mEq/L, chloride 56 mEq/L, etc.; no single molecular weight). |
Intravenous infusion; dose depends on fluid and electrolyte needs; typical adult rate: 100-200 mL/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min) due to risk of potassium and magnesium accumulation; use with caution and monitor electrolytes in moderate impairment (GFR 30-59 mL/min). |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment required; however, monitor electrolytes in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. |
| Pediatric use | Dose based on weight and clinical status; typical initial infusion rate: 5-10 mL/kg/hour, adjusted based on response and electrolyte monitoring. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to reduced renal function; start at lower infusion rates (e.g., 50-100 mL/hour) and monitor for fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances. |
| 1st trimester | PLASMA-LYTE 56 is a balanced electrolyte solution used for intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement. No teratogenic effects reported in animal studies; however, insufficient human data. Use only if clearly needed and benefit outweighs risk. |
| 2nd trimester | Similar to T1; monitor maternal and fetal electrolytes and fluid balance. No known fetal harm but limited data. |
| 3rd trimester | Use with caution due to potential for fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances affecting maternal and fetal status. Monitor closely during labor and delivery. |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
| Placental transfer | Electrolytes and water from PLASMA-LYTE 56 readily cross the placenta; no specific data on the solution itself but components cross freely. |
| Breastfeeding | Excreted into breast milk in small amounts; considered compatible with breastfeeding when used as indicated. Monitor infant for electrolyte imbalances if high doses are used. |
| Lactation Rating | L2 (Probably Compatible) |
| Teratogenic Risk | No known teratogenic effects. Plasma-Lyte 56 is an electrolyte solution and does not cross placenta in significant amounts to cause fetal harm. Use if clearly needed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and renal function during prolonged infusion. Fetal heart rate monitoring only if maternal condition warrants. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility. Normal electrolyte balance is required for reproductive function. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No black box warning is provided for this drug.
| Serious Effects |
HypervolemiaHypersensitivity to any componentSevere electrolyte imbalance (unless corrected first)Severe renal impairment (oliguria, anuria)
| Precautions | Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or conditions predisposing to fluid overload (e.g., congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema), Monitor electrolytes, fluid balance, and renal function during administration, Avoid in patients with hypervolemia, since this may exacerbate fluid overload conditions, Use with caution in patients receiving corticosteroids or corticotropin, as they may increase risk of fluid and electrolyte disturbances, Solutions containing acetate should be used with caution in patients with hepatic insufficiency |
| Food/Dietary | No specific food interactions; maintain normal diet unless otherwise directed by physician. Avoid excessive potassium-rich foods if renal impairment exists. |
| Clinical Pearls | Plasma-Lyte 56 is a balanced crystalloid solution containing acetate and gluconate as buffers, which may reduce the risk of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis compared to 0.9% saline. It is isotonic (osmolarity 406 mOsm/L) but hypotonic in plasma due to metabolism of anions, making it suitable for maintenance fluid therapy. Use caution in patients with renal impairment due to potassium content (13 mEq/L). Not for co-administration with blood products via same tubing due to calcium content (5 mEq/L). |
| Patient Advice | This solution provides fluids and electrolytes to maintain hydration and balance. · It contains potassium; follow dietary restrictions if you have kidney problems. · Report any signs of fluid overload (swelling, shortness of breath) or electrolyte imbalances (muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat). · Do not eat or drink anything unless instructed by your healthcare provider during infusion. |
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