Common IV Solutions Overview

Dextrose in Water (D5W): Isotonic solution containing 5% dextrose in water; used for hydration and calorie supply.
Dextrose in Water (D10W): Hypertonic solution with 10% dextrose in water; used for patients needing increased caloric intake without excess fluid.

Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl): Isotonic solution, commonly used for fluid resuscitation and as a diluent for medications.
Half Normal Saline (0.45% NaCl): Hypotonic solution; used for rehydration and maintenance in patients who are not dehydrated.
One Third Normal Saline (0.33% NaCl): Hypotonic solution; lesser chloride concentration, useful in specific fluid management scenarios.
Hypertonic Saline (3%-5% NaCl): Hypertonic solution; used to treat severe hyponatremia or to reduce cerebral edema.

D5 0.225% NaCl: Isotonic solution; combines hydration with dextrose energy and slight sodium chloride base.
D5 Normal Saline (D5NS): Hypertonic solution; combines dextrose with normal saline for patients requiring both energy and electrolyte replenishment.
D5 0.45% NaCl (D5 1/2 NS): Hypertonic solution; provides hydration and dextrose along with reduced sodium concentration.
D5LR: Hypertonic solution; combination of dextrose with lactated Ringer's solution, often used in surgical settings or for trauma patients.

Lactated Ringer's (LR): Isotonic solution; contains electrolytes and is commonly used for fluid replacement during surgery, trauma, or significant dehydration.

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline, NS)
- Used for dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
- Administered during acute hemorrhage due to trauma or surgery.
- Supports shock management, including hemorrhagic and septic shock.
- Restores extracellular fluid, rapidly increases blood volume, and maintains blood pressure and tissue perfusion.
Lactated Ringer’s (LR)
- Appropriate for postoperative recovery to replenish lost blood and fluid.
- Effective for burns, addressing fluid and electrolyte loss from extensive burns.
- Used in cases of acute hemorrhage such as internal bleeding or traumatic injuries.
- Contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate to simulate plasma electrolyte concentration, aiding fluid and pH balance.
5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)
- Provides energy during prolonged fasting or pre-/post-operative care.
- Acts as a diluent for intravenous medications.
- Mild dehydration treatment, supplying water and glucose.
- Quickly metabolized glucose results in isotonic fluid, effectively replenishing fluids.

0.45% Sodium Chloride (Half Normal Saline)
- Used for hypernatremia, a condition with excessive plasma sodium levels.
- Treats cellular dehydration due to diabetic issues or hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma.
- Aids in fluid replacement during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment.
- Helps reduce plasma sodium and alleviate cellular dehydration.
0.33% Sodium Chloride (One Third Normal Saline)
- Suitable for mild dehydration caused by insufficient fluid intake or light diarrhea.
- Used for mild hypernatremia, where there’s slight elevation in blood sodium levels.
- Facilitates gradual cell fluid replacement and regulates plasma osmolality, preventing cell dehydration.
5% Dextrose in 0.225% Sodium Chloride (D5 0.225% NaCl)
- Useful for pediatric dehydration, particularly from diarrhea or vomiting in children.
- Provides rapid glucose supplementation in cases of hypoglycemia.
- Balances fluid restoration and blood glucose levels while offering minimal electrolytes.

3% Sodium Chloride
- Applied in severe hyponatremia due to chronic kidney disease or adrenal insufficiency.
- Manages cerebral edema resulting from head trauma or brain hemorrhage.
- Quickly raises plasma sodium levels to reduce cellular swelling, especially in brain cells.
5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride (D5NS)
- Treats metabolic alkalosis, particularly when gastrointestinal fluid loss occurs.
- Addresses severe loss of gastrointestinal fluids from conditions like intense diarrhea or vomiting.
- Supplement glucose and electrolytes, maintaining fluid balance and electrolyte equilibrium.
10% Dextrose in Water (D10W)
- Used for hypoglycemia, often due to insulin overdose or prolonged fasting.
- Addresses malnutrition in chronic illness by providing high-glucose concentration.
- Rapidly restores energy and blood sugar levels, preventing hypoglycemic events.