Dextrose 5% and sodium chloride 0.225% in plastic container?

Question

Accepted Answer

Dextrose 5 % + 0.225 % Sodium Chloride (often written “D5 0.225 % NS”)

Feature	Details
Name	D5 0.225 % Sodium Chloride (sometimes called “D5 0.225 % NS” or “D5 0.225 % Saline”).
Volume	Usually supplied in 500 mL or 1 L plastic bags (polyvinyl chloride – PVC – with a polyurethane lining).
Constituents	• 5 % dextrose (50 g/L) • 0.225 % sodium chloride (2.25 g/L) ≈ 3.85 mEq Na⁺/L
Osmolarity	~250 mOsm/kg (dextrose contributes ~180 mOsm, NaCl ~70 mOsm).
Electrolyte profile	Sodium ~3.8 mEq/L, chloride ~3.8 mEq/L, potassium & magnesium usually negligible.
Clinical use	• Maintenance fluid in patients who need dextrose but require very low sodium. • Replacement fluid for patients with hyponatremia or high sodium sensitivity. • Carrier for certain drugs (e.g., insulin, certain antibiotics) that need a dextrose background. • Often used in pediatrics for routine maintenance (after 5 % D5W or 0.45 % NaCl is not sufficient).
Key considerations	• Not suitable for patients who need normal‑sodium maintenance (154 mEq/L) or for those with hyperglycemia (because of 5 % glucose). • Because sodium is very low, it can cause dilutional hyponatremia if used in excess. • Use with caution in patients with renal insufficiency or fluid overload risk (the dextrose can contribute to caloric load).
Common brands / suppliers	Baxter, Fresenius Kabi, Hospira (now part of Pfizer) – product names may vary (e.g., “Baxter D5 0.225 % NS” or “Fresenius 5 % Dextrose + 0.225 % NaCl”).
Storage	Keep in a refrigerator or cool room (2–8 °C) if stored for >24 h; otherwise room temperature is fine for a few days.
Compatibility	Generally compatible with most drugs; check each drug’s compatibility chart. Avoid mixing with high‑osmolar solutions (e.g., 10 % dextrose, 5 % NaCl) in the same line.

Quick FAQ

Question	Answer
Why is sodium so low?	0.225 % NaCl provides only ~4 mEq Na⁺ per liter, far lower than normal saline (154 mEq/L). It’s useful when you want to give dextrose but want to avoid raising sodium.
Is it isotonic?	It’s roughly isotonic with plasma in terms of osmolarity (≈250 mOsm/kg) because dextrose contributes most of the osmolality.
Can I use it for a fluid‑resistant patient?	The low sodium makes it good for patients who need fluid but can’t tolerate sodium load, but the 5 % glucose still adds calories—monitor glucose levels.
What if I need potassium?	This solution contains negligible potassium; add a separate potassium chloride solution if required.
Is it safe for pediatric patients?	Yes, it’s commonly used for pediatric maintenance fluids. Always double‑check dosing (often 1–2 mL/kg/hr).

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Dextrose 5% and sodium chloride 0.225% in plastic container?

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