Dextrose / Sodium Chloride

What it is and how it works

Provides water, sodium and chloride together with glucose as a source of calories and free water. Different concentrations (e.g. glucose 5% with sodium chloride 0.9%, 0.45% or 0.18%) are used to meet maintenance or replacement needs.

Indications

Fluid, sodium and chloride replacement and maintenance, with supply of carbohydrate, in patients who cannot take adequate fluids orally; also as a vehicle for compatible intravenous drugs.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Volume, concentration and rate are individualised according to age, weight, clinical condition, fluid balance and plasma electrolytes; given by intravenous infusion.

Contraindications

Hypernatraemia, hyperchloraemia, fluid overload, uncontrolled hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolar states, depending on the formulation.

Warnings and precautions

Hypotonic solutions can cause hospital-acquired hyponatraemia and hyponatraemic encephalopathy, particularly in children, the elderly and post-operative patients; monitor plasma sodium and fluid balance. Monitor blood glucose in diabetes. Use with caution in cardiac, renal and hepatic impairment because of the risk of fluid and sodium overload.

Pregnancy

May be used in pregnancy; monitor fluid and electrolyte balance, especially during labour and with oxytocin.

Storage and supply

Store below 25 °C; do not freeze.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.