Difference Between 5 Dextrose Saline and Dextrose Saline

Dextrose saline and 5% dextrose saline are both types of intravenous solutions that are commonly used in clinical settings for various purposes, including fluid and electrolyte replacement, maintenance, and resuscitation. While these two solutions may seem similar, they have significant differences in their composition, indications, and contraindications, which may affect their use in specific patient populations.

What is 5 Dextrose Saline?

5 dextrose is 5 percent dextrose which is a mixture of dextrose and water. 5 dextrose is an intravenous sugar solution that is composed of 5 gms of dextrorotatory form of glucose dissolved in 100 ml of H2O. Since it is a solvent in water, so it is called an aqueous solution.

Movement of water out of the cell is exactly balanced by movement of water into the cell and that is why it aids as an isotonic solution soon after it is administered into the body. But at a later stage, it acts as a hypotonic solution (In a hypotonic solution, the total molar concentration of all dissolved solute particles is lesser than that of another solution or lesser than that of a cell). The reason for this is the cell metabolization supported by the dextrorotatory glucose molecules. This alleviates the concentration of dextrorotatory form of glucose in the D5W, making it a hypotonic solution. 5 dextrose is not pyrogenic i.e. it does not cause excessive heat in the body.

5 dextrose aids in Parenteral Fluid Therapy. This kind of therapy is administered to patients who are hypovolemic and the Fluid therapy with crystalloid solutions is utilized to resuscitate such patients to correct free water deficits in case of patients suffering from dehydration, to replace ongoing fluid losses, and to meet the fluid requirements of patients who are unable to take fluids orally.

5 dextrose is a source of nutrient enrichment in the form of calories and carbohydrates. It is used to treat low blood sugar or fluid loss (dehydration). Examples of low blood sugar symptoms include fatigue, confusion, heart palpitations and sweating.

What is Dextrose Saline?

Dextrose saline is a mixture of dextrorotatory form of glucose, NaCl, and H2O. It contains 5% dextrorotatory form of glucose and NaCl dissolved in H2O. The NaCl content varies based on the usage. This saline solution is a sterile solution which enters the body through intravenous administration

Dextrose saline aids in electrolyte nourishment in the body. So, it is also one of the parenteral fluid. It comprises of 100 ml of H2O, a 5 percent dextrorotatory form of glucose and 0.45 gms of NaCl.

Dextrose saline is hypertonic. That means it has the highest pressure exerted to pass through the semipermeable membrane. Thus, when it is administered to the veins, it enters the body and offers nourishment in the form of carbohydrates, H2O and electrolytes. NaCl is present in the form of Na+ ions and Cl– ions. Na ion is the main cation of the extracellular solution in cells. Cl ions are beneficial for cells in order to maintain the absorbing action. Hence, dextrose saline is very important as a source of these ions.

Differences: 5 Dextrose and Dextrose Saline

In this section, let's compare and contrast the characteristics of 5 Dextrose and Dextrose Saline −

Composition

The main difference between dextrose saline and 5% dextrose saline is their composition. Dextrose saline is a solution that contains 0.9% saline (sodium chloride) and 5% dextrose (glucose) in water. This solution is isotonic, which means that it has the same concentration of electrolytes as normal body fluids. Isotonic solutions are often used to replace fluid and electrolyte losses in patients who are dehydrated or who have lost blood or other fluids.

On the other hand, 5% dextrose saline is a solution that contains 0.9% saline and 5% dextrose, but with an additional 4.0 grams of dextrose per 100 mL of solution. This solution is hypertonic, which means that it has a higher concentration of electrolytes than normal body fluids. Hypertonic solutions are often used to treat patients with hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) or cerebral edema (swelling in the brain).

Indications

Dextrose saline is primarily used for fluid and electrolyte replacement, maintenance, and resuscitation in patients with dehydration, hypovolemia (low blood volume), or hypotension (low blood pressure). It is also used to treat hypernatremia (high blood sodium levels) and hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels).

On the other hand, 5% dextrose saline is primarily used for the treatment of hyponatremia, cerebral edema, and hypotension. The additional dextrose in the solution helps to increase serum osmolality (the concentration of solutes in the blood), which can help to reduce brain swelling and improve cerebral perfusion in patients with cerebral edema.

Contraindications

Both dextrose saline and 5% dextrose saline have some contraindications that must be considered before administering the solution to a patient. Dextrose saline should not be used in patients with hypernatremia or hyperchloremia (high blood chloride levels) since it can exacerbate these conditions. It should also be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure or renal failure, as it can worsen fluid overload.

5% dextrose saline should not be used in patients with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) or in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to dextrose or corn products. It should also be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure or renal failure, as the additional dextrose can worsen fluid overload.

The following table highlights the major differences between 5 Dextrose Saline and Dextrose Saline −

Characteristics	5 Dextrose Saline	Dextrose Saline
Definition	It is an intravenous sugar solution which comprises of glucose and water.	Dextrose saline is a mixture of 5% dextrose with sodium chloride and water.
Chemical composition	5 Dextrose means 5% dextrose and is also known as D5W. It is composed of water and 50 gms of glucose	It is composed of dextrose, Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and water. The NaCl content varies depending on the application.
Types	5% dextrose in H2O is packed as an isotonic solution (A solution is isotonic when it has the same concentration of solutes like the other solution across a semipermeable wall) but becomes hypotonic (A solution is hypotonic when water is less- concentrated than the cell, the water surrounds) once it enters the body because the glucose (solute) that mixes in sterile water exhibits metabolism action by the body cells.	Dextrose saline is hypertonic (A hypertonic solution is one in which the concentration of solutes is greater in the exterior of the cell than the interior of it).
Importance	5 dextrose provides carbohydrates and calories (10% of daily requirements)	Dextrose saline is a source of electrolytes.

Conclusion

In summary, while both dextrose saline and 5% dextrose saline are intravenous solutions used in clinical settings for fluid and electrolyte replacement, maintenance, and resuscitation, they have significant differences in their composition, indications, and contraindications.

Dextrose saline is isotonic and primarily used for fluid and electrolyte replacement and resuscitation, while 5% dextrose saline is hypertonic and primarily used for the treatment of hyponatremia, cerebral edema, and hypotension. Understanding these differences is crucial in determining the appropriate solution for a patient based on their individual needs and medical history.