Delflex + dextrose 2.5 % (low magnesium) in a plastic container
— a ready‑to‑use intravenous (IV) fluid that delivers a small amount of dextrose (glucose) along with a standard balanced electrolyte mix, but with a deliberately reduced magnesium concentration. It is sold in a plastic bag (or syringe) rather than a glass bottle, which is the normal format for most hospital IV fluids.
Below is a quick‑reference guide that covers the what, why, how, and safety of this product. Use it as a primer for clinical decision‑making or patient education.
1. Composition (per 1 L)
| Component |
Concentration |
Typical Function |
| Dextrose |
25 g / L (2.5 %) |
Provides calories and a mild osmotic load |
| Sodium |
~140 mmol / L |
Maintains extracellular volume |
| Chloride |
~110 mmol / L |
Electrolyte balance |
| Potassium |
4–5 mmol / L |
Cellular function, cardiac rhythm |
| Calcium |
~1.5–2 mmol / L |
Co‑factor for enzymes, cardiac contractility |
| Magnesium |
low (≈ 0.5–1.0 mmol / L) |
Reduced to avoid magnesium overload |
| Bicarbonate (or a buffer) |
10–12 mmol / L |
Helps maintain acid‑base balance |
| Other trace minerals |
minimal |
Often omitted or present in trace amounts |
Why low magnesium?
Some patients (e.g., those with chronic magnesium loss, certain renal disorders, or who are on magnesium‑replenishing therapy) need a fluid that won’t add to their magnesium load. Low‑Mg formulations are also useful in settings where excessive magnesium can cause hypotension or arrhythmias.
2. Clinical Uses
| Indication |
Typical Scenario |
Key Benefit |
| Maintenance fluid |
Outpatients or inpatients who need routine hydration but not large fluid shifts |
Provides calories & electrolytes without significant osmotic load |
| Low‑volume resuscitation |
Mild dehydration, post‑surgery or after minor burns |
2.5 % dextrose is isotonic; avoids fluid overload |
| Glycemic control in diabetics |
Diabetic patients requiring IV fluid |
2.5 % is low enough to keep glucose spikes minimal |
| Patients on magnesium‑replete therapy |
Those receiving IV magnesium sulfate, or with hypermagnesemia risk |
Keeps serum Mg from rising |
Do NOT use as a single fluid for patients who need large volume replacement, electrolyte correction beyond the provided concentrations, or who require higher carbohydrate loads (e.g., D10W, D20W).
3. Dosage & Administration
| Patient Type |
Suggested Rate |
Notes |
| Adult maintenance |
20–30 mL /kg h (≈ 1–1.5 L/day) |
Adjust for fluid loss, insensible loss, or comorbidities |
| Pediatric |
5–10 mL /kg h (≈ 0.5–1 L/day) |
Follow standard pediatric maintenance formulas |
| Surgery or burn |
0.5–1.0 L/h, titrated to urine output |
Start at lower rate, monitor urine output & electrolytes |
| Diabetics |
20–30 mL /kg h, monitor glucose every 2 h |
Use insulin if glucose > 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) |
- Infusion rate: Use a calibrated infusion set; adjust for patient weight and clinical context.
- Mixing: Do not mix with 0.9 % saline or 5 % dextrose (D5W) without first checking for compatibility; it can precipitate or alter osmolality.
- Warming: Warming a plastic bag to 38–39 °C can increase the risk of leaching phthalates; keep at room temperature unless specifically instructed.
4. Contraindications & Precautions
| Condition |
Reason |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) |
2.5 % dextrose may worsen hyperglycemia |
| Severe hyperglycemia |
Additional glucose may exceed target levels |
| Hypernatremia |
Sodium load may worsen the sodium excess |
| Renal failure (advanced CKD) |
Electrolyte load may be poorly cleared; monitor K⁺, Mg²⁺ |
| Hypomagnesemia |
Low magnesium may not be sufficient if the patient is severely deficient; consider separate Mg supplementation |
| Phthalate sensitivity |
Plastic containers can contain phthalates that may leach when warmed; patients with sensitivity or in neonatal units may require a non‑plastic alternative |
Caution – In patients receiving IV magnesium sulfate or other Mg‑containing drugs, the low‑Mg fluid is a good match; otherwise, monitor magnesium levels closely to avoid hypomagnesemia.
5. Storage & Shelf Life
| Condition |
Duration |
Comments |
| Room temperature (15–25 °C) |
2–3 months (as per manufacturer) |
Keep sealed, away from light |
| Refrigerated (2–8 °C) |
3–4 months |
Some manufacturers recommend refrigeration to prolong sterility; check label |
| After opening |
24 h (if in a plastic bag) |
Once the bag is punctured, keep on ice or in a 4 °C refrigerator; do not keep at room temperature for >24 h |
Tip: Check the expiry date on the container. Never use a fluid that has been stored beyond its stated shelf life or that shows signs of cloudiness, particulate matter, or discoloration.
6. Common Adverse Effects
| Adverse Effect |
Likelihood |
Management |
| Hyperglycemia |
Rare at 2.5 % but possible if high infusion rate |
Check serum glucose; adjust infusion or add insulin |
| Hypo‑ or hyper‑magnesemia |
Low Mg may lead to hypomagnesemia if the patient is Mg‑deficient; the fluid is too high if Mg is already high |
Monitor serum Mg; supplement or restrict as needed |
| Electrolyte imbalance |
Mild potassium or sodium shifts |
Recheck electrolytes after 4–6 h; adjust rate |
| Fluid overload |
Rare in maintenance settings; risk higher in heart failure |
Monitor urine output, weight, and vital signs |
7. Incompatibilities & Interactions
| Co‑administered Fluid | Compatibility | Why |
|------------------------|---------------