Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- How it is given
- intravenous
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 1795609
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Intravenous solutions containing dextrose are indicated for parenteral replenishment of fluid and minimal carbohydrate calories as required by the clinical condition of the patient.
About this medicine
DESCRIPTION: 5% Dextrose Injection, USP solution is sterile and nonpyrogenic. It is a parenteral solution containing dextrose in water for injection intended for intravenous administration. Each 100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, contains dextrose monohydrate, 5 g in water for injection. The caloric value is 170 kcal/L. The osmolarity is 252 mOsmol/L (calc.), which is slightly hypotonic. The solution pH is 4.3 (3.2 to 6.5). This solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended only as a single-dose injection. When smaller doses are required the unused portion should be discarded. 5% Dextrose Injection, USP is a parenteral fluid and nutrient replenisher. Dextrose, USP is chemically designated D-glucose monohydrate (C 6 H 12 O 6 • H 2 O), a hexose sugar freely soluble in water. It has the following structural formula: Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H 2 O. The flexible container is fabricated from a specially formulated non-plasticized film containing polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomers ( free flex ® bag). The free flex ® + bag has a needle-free injection port and can accept standard luer lock syringes to add medication. The amount of water that can permeate from the container into the overwrap is insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the flexible container can leach out certain of the container's chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period. The suitability of the container material has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers. Structural Formula
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS: 5% Dextrose Injection, USP without electrolytes should not be administered simultaneously with blood through the same infusion set because of the possibility that pseudoagglutination of red cells may occur.
Warnings
WARNINGS: Excessive administration of potassium-free solutions may result in significant hypokalemia. The intravenous administration of these solutions can cause fluid and/or solute overloading resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema. The risk of dilutional states is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of administered parenteral solutions. The risk of solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of such solutions.
Reported side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Reactions which may occur because of the solution or the technique of administration include febrile response, infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection, extravasation and hypervolemia. If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary.
Interactions with other medicines
Drug Interactions Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit (see PRECAUTIONS ).
If too much is taken
OVERDOSAGE: In the event of overhydration or solute overload, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures (see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS , and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 8 January 2026. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.