D5w/nacl 0.9% Inj, 500ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is administered as an infusion into a vein over a period of time. Your doctor may instruct you on how to self-administer this medication.
Before and after handling the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. Do not use the medication if the solution appears cloudy, is leaking, or contains particles. Additionally, do not use the solution if it has changed color.
To dispose of used needles and other sharp objects, use a needle/sharp disposal box. Never reuse needles or other items. When the disposal box is full, follow local regulations for proper disposal. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage and Disposal
Typically, this medication is administered in a hospital or doctor's office. If you need to store it at home, follow the storage instructions provided by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- This medication is administered in a healthcare setting. No specific lifestyle changes are typically required by the patient related to its administration, but underlying conditions requiring IV fluids may necessitate lifestyle adjustments.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, such as:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of skin infection, such as:
+ Oozing
+ Heat
+ Swelling
+ Redness
+ Pain
Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm
Chest pain or pressure
Fever
Shortness of breath
Sudden weight gain
Swelling in the arms or legs
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Irritation or swelling at the injection site
* Pain at the injection site
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles (edema)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Headache, confusion, or dizziness
- Increased thirst or dry mouth
- Frequent urination or feeling very tired (signs of high blood sugar)
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Chest pain or palpitations
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This drug may interact with other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, or vitamins, which could affect its safety and efficacy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and OTC drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions and ensure safe use.
Any existing health problems, as they may impact the safety and effectiveness of this medication.
To ensure your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.
Precautions & Cautions
If your medication contains potassium, consult your doctor before using a salt substitute or any product that also contains potassium.
If your medication contains dextrose and you have diabetes (high blood sugar), discuss this with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Regular blood tests are crucial while taking this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the frequency and timing of these tests, and discuss the results with your doctor.
When administering this medication to a newborn, exercise caution, as the risk of side effects may be increased in this age group.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Fluid overload (e.g., pulmonary edema, peripheral edema, hypertension, dyspnea)
- Hypernatremia (e.g., thirst, lethargy, weakness, irritability, seizures, coma)
- Hyperglycemia (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, blurred vision, headache, osmotic diuresis)
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia due to dilution, hyperchloremic acidosis)
What to Do:
Discontinue infusion immediately. Administer diuretics for fluid overload. Correct electrolyte imbalances as needed. Administer insulin for hyperglycemia. Provide supportive care. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) for specific guidance if accidental overdose occurs outside of a medical setting.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Not typically contraindicated with specific drugs, but rather in conditions like severe fluid overload, hypernatremia, or uncontrolled hyperglycemia.
Major Interactions
- Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone): Can cause sodium and fluid retention, increasing risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance when co-administered with saline solutions.
- Drugs causing sodium retention (e.g., NSAIDs, some antihypertensives): Increased risk of fluid overload and hypernatremia.
- Insulin: Dextrose can increase blood glucose; insulin requirements may change.
- Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide): Can alter fluid and electrolyte balance, requiring careful monitoring to avoid hypo- or hypernatremia, and hypo- or hyperglycemia.
Moderate Interactions
- Lithium: Sodium intake can affect lithium excretion; monitor lithium levels.
- Drugs affecting glucose metabolism (e.g., Beta-blockers, Thiazide diuretics): May alter glucose response to dextrose.
Minor Interactions
- None specifically identified as minor drug-drug interactions for the solution itself, interactions are primarily related to fluid and electrolyte balance.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline fluid and electrolyte status and identify pre-existing imbalances.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To establish baseline glucose level, especially important with dextrose-containing solutions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess kidney's ability to excrete fluid and electrolytes.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess hydration status and identify signs of fluid overload or dehydration.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Every 4-8 hours or continuously
Target: Appropriate balance based on clinical need
Action Threshold: Significant positive or negative balance; signs of fluid overload or dehydration
Frequency: Daily or more frequently as clinically indicated (e.g., every 6-12 hours in critical patients)
Target: Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L; Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; Chloride: 98-106 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Values outside normal range, especially rapid changes or symptomatic imbalances
Frequency: Every 4-6 hours initially, then daily or as needed
Target: 70-180 mg/dL (non-diabetic); individualized for diabetic patients
Action Threshold: Hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) or Hyperglycemia (>180-200 mg/dL)
Frequency: Every 4 hours or more frequently as clinically indicated
Target: Within patient's normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant changes indicating fluid overload (e.g., hypertension, tachycardia, tachypnea) or dehydration (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia)
Frequency: Daily or more frequently as clinically indicated
Target: No new or worsening edema, clear lung sounds, normal skin turgor
Action Threshold: New or worsening peripheral/pulmonary edema, crackles in lungs, signs of dehydration
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of fluid overload (e.g., dyspnea, orthopnea, peripheral edema, weight gain, crackles on lung auscultation, jugular venous distention)
- Signs of hypernatremia (e.g., thirst, lethargy, weakness, irritability, seizures, coma)
- Signs of hyperglycemia (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, blurred vision, headache)
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle weakness, cramps, confusion, cardiac arrhythmias)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe and often used during pregnancy when clinically indicated for hydration, electrolyte replacement, or as a vehicle for medication. However, careful monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance is crucial to avoid fluid overload or imbalances that could affect both mother and fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Compatible with breastfeeding. The components (water, dextrose, sodium, chloride) are natural constituents of breast milk and are not expected to cause adverse effects in the infant.
Pediatric Use
Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight, age, and clinical status to prevent fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances (especially hyponatremia), and hyperglycemia. Neonates and infants are particularly vulnerable to fluid and electrolyte shifts. Close monitoring of fluid intake/output, weight, serum electrolytes, and blood glucose is essential.
Geriatric Use
Increased susceptibility to fluid overload, electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hyponatremia, hypernatremia), and hyperglycemia due to age-related changes in renal function, cardiac reserve, and thirst perception. Initiate at lower rates and volumes, and monitor fluid balance, electrolytes, and renal function very closely. Avoid rapid infusions.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always assess patient's fluid status, electrolyte levels, and renal function before initiating and throughout IV fluid therapy.
- D5W/0.9% NaCl is isotonic initially but becomes hypotonic as dextrose is metabolized, providing free water. This should be considered in patients at risk for cerebral edema.
- Not a complete nutritional solution; provides minimal calories and no protein, vitamins, or trace elements.
- Risk of fluid overload is significant, especially in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or liver disease.
- Monitor blood glucose closely, particularly in diabetic patients or those with stress-induced hyperglycemia.
- Use with caution in patients with conditions that cause sodium retention (e.g., heart failure, cirrhosis, renal disease, corticosteroid therapy).
Alternative Therapies
- Lactated Ringer's Solution (LR)
- Plasma-Lyte A
- Other balanced crystalloid solutions
- Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration if patient can tolerate oral intake
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for complete nutritional support