5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP Infusion/Solution for

What is 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

5% w/v Dextrose & 0.18% w/v Sodium Chloride Injection USP is a sterile intravenous infusion solution commonly used in clinical practice to provide patients with essential fluids, electrolytes, and energy.

This solution combines:

• Dextrose (5%): A simple sugar that supplies readily available calories and serves as an energy source for cellular metabolism.
• Sodium Chloride (0.18%): An electrolyte critical for maintaining osmotic balance, fluid homeostasis, and normal cellular function.

It is particularly useful for:

• Correcting mild dehydration where some sodium replacement is necessary but large sodium loads should be avoided.
• Providing maintenance fluids in patients unable to take oral fluids.
• Supplementing caloric intake in patients requiring parenteral nutrition support.
• Supporting fluid and electrolyte balance in perioperative or critically ill patients.

The solution is hypotonic compared to plasma, which helps gently rehydrate cells without causing excessive fluid shifts or overload.

How to use 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

This medication should only be administered intravenously by qualified healthcare providers under sterile conditions:

• Preparation: Inspect the solution visually for clarity and absence of particulates or discoloration before use. Do not use if compromised.
• Administration: Connect to appropriate IV tubing and establish intravenous access (peripheral or central line as indicated).
• Infusion rate: Depends on patient condition, hydration status, and clinical need. Usually started slowly to monitor tolerance and adjusted accordingly.
• Monitoring: Regularly assess vital signs, blood glucose, serum electrolytes, and fluid balance to avoid complications.
• Compatibility: Check compatibility before mixing with other intravenous drugs; some medications may be incompatible with dextrose or sodium chloride solutions.

Strict aseptic technique and continuous patient monitoring are essential to ensure safety and efficacy during administration.

Mode of Action 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

The therapeutic effect arises from the combined action of its components:

• Dextrose: After infusion, dextrose is rapidly transported into cells and metabolized via glycolysis to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the body. This supports cellular function, especially in energy-depleted states.
• Sodium Chloride: Sodium ions maintain extracellular fluid volume and osmotic pressure, which are crucial for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and kidney function. Chloride ions help maintain acid-base balance and osmolarity.

The solution’s hypotonic nature gently hydrates cells, replenishing lost water and electrolytes without causing sudden fluid shifts that could lead to complications like cerebral edema or heart failure.

5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP Interactions 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

Several drugs and conditions can interact with this infusion solution, requiring careful consideration:

• Insulin: Since the infusion contains glucose, co-administration with insulin can cause hypoglycemia or necessitate insulin dose adjustments.
• Diuretics: May affect electrolyte balance, potentially increasing risk of sodium depletion or overload depending on diuretic type.
• Corticosteroids and Mineralocorticoids: Can promote sodium and water retention, increasing risk of fluid overload when combined with this solution.
• Other intravenous drugs: Some medications are incompatible with dextrose-containing solutions and should not be mixed in the same line.

In patients with impaired glucose metabolism, renal insufficiency, or heart failure, these interactions require close monitoring and dose adjustment.

Dosage of 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

Dosage varies according to clinical needs, patient size, and condition:

• Adults: Usually 1000 to 1500 ml/day depending on hydration status and caloric requirements. Adjust based on lab values and fluid balance.
• Pediatrics: Dosage is weight-based, typically 100-150 ml/kg/day, with careful monitoring of electrolytes and glucose.
• Infusion rate: Should be slow initially, especially in patients prone to fluid overload or heart failure, and titrated based on patient tolerance.

Continuous clinical and laboratory assessment is critical to tailor dosage appropriately and avoid complications like hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, or fluid overload.

Possible side effects of 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

Although generally safe when used correctly, side effects may include:

• Fluid overload: Manifesting as peripheral edema, pulmonary congestion, or hypertension.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Including hypernatremia or hyponatremia, depending on patient’s condition and infusion rate.
• Hyperglycemia: Especially in patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
• Local reactions: Pain, swelling, or phlebitis at the infusion site.
• Allergic reactions: Rare but possible, ranging from rash and itching to anaphylaxis.

Patients should be monitored closely for any signs of adverse reactions during and after infusion.

5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP Contraindications 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

This solution should be avoided or used with caution in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components.
• Severe hyperglycemia or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, as the dextrose content may exacerbate blood glucose levels.
• Severe sodium retention states, such as congestive heart failure or renal failure with edema.
• Hypernatremia or hyperchloremia, which may worsen with sodium chloride infusion.
• Intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage, where fluid shifts from hypotonic solutions can increase cerebral edema.

Careful patient evaluation and laboratory testing are essential before administration.

Storage of 5% w/v DEXTROSE & 0.18% w/v SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION USP

Proper storage conditions are critical to maintaining product integrity and safety:

• Store at controlled room temperature: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Avoid freezing: Freezing can damage the plastic bag and compromise sterility.
• Protect from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of the solution.
• Keep in original packaging until use to avoid contamination.
• Do not use after expiration date.
• Once opened or punctured, use immediately and discard any unused portion.