Guide To Intravenous Fluids: 5% Dextrose In Water (D5W)

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to providing more information on the intravenous fluid 5% dextrose in water (D5W). More information on other intravenous (IV) fluids can be found here.

Source
WHAT IS IT?

D5W: is a IV fluid used in medicine. It has the following features:

  • Osmolarity (hypotonic but isosmotic): 252 mOsm/L
  • Glucose concentration: 50g/L
  • Caloric value: 170kcal/L
WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Correct free water deficit (in setting of hypernatremia): this fluid can deliver free water without administering any electrolytes, and can help replace volume while lower serum sodium.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING  IT?

Correct free water deficit (in setting of hyponatremia): this fluid can deliver free water without administering any electrolytes, and will worsen low serum sodium by repleting volume WITHOUT giving back sodium.

 

Page Updated: 01.23.2017