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 formulated to provide both energy and fluid-electrolyte replacement. It is primarily used for patients who require maintenance of hydration and a mild sodium load while also needing an energy source.

• Dextrose (5%) provides a readily metabolizable source of glucose, essential for cellular energy production.
• Sodium Chloride (0.18%) offers a controlled amount of sodium and chloride ions to help maintain plasma osmolarity and electrolyte balance.

This hypotonic solution is commonly indicated in:

• Maintenance therapy for patients who cannot take oral fluids.
• Mild dehydration correction where sodium replacement is necessary but should be limited.
• Supplying calories for energy in catabolic states or post-surgical recovery.
• Supporting electrolyte balance in perioperative and critically ill patients.

Because of its low sodium concentration, this solution is suitable for patients at risk of sodium overload or those requiring gentle fluid replenishment.

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

This intravenous infusion must be administered under strict medical supervision:

• Preparation: Verify the solution’s clarity and expiration date before use. Ensure there is no particulate matter or discoloration.
• Administration: Connect the infusion to an appropriate IV access device—either peripheral or central vein based on patient condition.
• Infusion rate: Initiate slowly, monitoring patient response and vital signs. Typical maintenance rates range from 50 to 150 ml/hour, adjusted per clinical requirements.
• Compatibility: Confirm compatibility if co-administering other intravenous medications; avoid mixing incompatible drugs in the same line.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood glucose, serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and signs of fluid overload or electrolyte disturbances during therapy.

Only trained healthcare professionals should administer this solution, and aseptic techniques must be followed throughout to minimize infection risk.

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

The solution's efficacy stems from the complementary actions of its constituents:

• Dextrose: Upon infusion, dextrose is rapidly transported into cells via facilitated diffusion and metabolized through glycolysis, providing immediate energy for cellular processes by generating ATP.
• Sodium Chloride: Sodium ions maintain extracellular fluid volume and osmotic pressure, essential for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and renal function. Chloride ions assist in acid-base balance and osmolar regulation.
• Hydration: The hypotonic nature of this solution allows gradual rehydration of intracellular and extracellular compartments without causing abrupt osmotic shifts, reducing the risk of cellular edema or dehydration.

Overall, this combined solution helps restore fluid and electrolyte balance while supplying necessary calories to support metabolic demands.

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 drug interactions and clinical considerations should be noted:

• Insulin and antidiabetics: Because of the glucose content, insulin dosages may need adjustment to avoid hypo- or hyperglycemia.
• Diuretics: Thiazide or loop diuretics can affect sodium and water balance; combined use requires close electrolyte monitoring.
• Corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids: May exacerbate sodium retention and fluid overload when combined with this solution.
• Other intravenous drugs: Some drugs are incompatible with dextrose or sodium chloride solutions; compatibility testing is essential before co-administration.
• Patients with impaired renal or cardiac function: Risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance is heightened, requiring dosage and infusion rate adjustments.

Close clinical and laboratory monitoring is essential to avoid adverse interactions during therapy.

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

Dosage should be individualized based on patient condition, age, and clinical requirements:

• Adults: Typically 1000 to 3000 ml/day depending on hydration status, caloric needs, and electrolyte balance.
• Pediatrics: Weight-based dosing, generally 100 to 150 ml/kg/day, with close monitoring of fluid and electrolyte status.
• Infusion rate: Usually started at a slow rate (e.g., 50 ml/hour) and titrated based on patient tolerance and clinical response.
• Adjustment: Dosage may be modified in renal impairment, heart failure, or patients at risk of fluid overload to prevent complications.

Therapy should always be guided by frequent assessment of vital signs, fluid balance, and laboratory parameters such as serum glucose and electrolytes.

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

Though generally well tolerated, some adverse effects may occur:

• Fluid overload: May manifest as peripheral edema, pulmonary congestion, or hypertension, especially in patients with compromised cardiac or renal function.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Hyponatremia or hypernatremia, depending on patient status and infusion rate.
• Hyperglycemia: Particularly in diabetics or patients with impaired glucose tolerance.
• Local reactions: Phlebitis, pain, or swelling at the infusion site.
• Allergic reactions: Rare but may include rash, itching, or anaphylactic shock.

Prompt recognition and management of adverse effects are essential for patient safety.

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 in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to any component of the solution.
• Severe hyperglycemia or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus due to dextrose content.
• Severe sodium retention conditions such as congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency with fluid overload.
• Hypernatremia or hyperchloremia, where additional sodium or chloride could worsen the condition.
• Intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage, where hypotonic fluids could exacerbate cerebral edema.

Use cautiously in patients at risk of fluid or electrolyte imbalances.

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

Proper storage ensures the medication’s stability and sterility:

• Store at controlled room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from freezing; frozen bags should be discarded as integrity may be compromised.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or excessive heat.
• Keep in the original packaging until use to maintain sterility and avoid contamination.
• Use immediately after opening or puncturing the bag; discard any unused solution.
• Do not use beyond the expiration date indicated on the packaging.