PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive 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. |
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 | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (PLASMA-LYTE 56 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
| Breastfeeding | Excreted into breast milk in negligible amounts; considered compatible with breastfeeding. M/P ratio not applicable as endogenous electrolytes. |
| 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 |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No black box warning is provided for this drug.
| Serious Effects |
["Hypersensitivity to any component of the solution","Clinically significant hypervolemia (fluid overload)","Hyperkalemia (for solutions containing potassium)","Severe renal impairment (anuria or oliguria) unless dialysis is performed","Acute or chronic metabolic alkalosis (for solutions containing acetate)"]
| 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"] |
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| 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. |