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IV fluid (saline + dextrose)

Sodium chloride with glucose

Used in: Hyponatraemia

An intravenous combination crystalloid providing sodium chloride together with glucose, used for fluid maintenance and as a source of water and electrolytes when oral intake is inadequate. This page covers the IV maintenance fluid, distinct from resuscitation 0.9% saline.

Dosing — not shown for this use

The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.

Clinical monograph

How it works

The sodium chloride component replaces extracellular fluid and electrolytes while the glucose is metabolised to provide free water and a small amount of energy, together supporting maintenance hydration.

Prescribing in practice

  • Hyponatraemia is the principal hazard — lower-sodium maintenance regimens can precipitate or worsen dilutional hyponatraemia, so prescribe with electrolyte monitoring and follow MHRA/NICE guidance on IV fluids, particularly in children.
  • Choose the sodium and glucose strengths to match the clinical indication, as several formulations exist and are not interchangeable.
  • Avoid fluid overload in cardiac, renal or hepatic impairment and reassess the ongoing fluid prescription regularly.

Monitoring

Monitor serum electrolytes (especially sodium), fluid balance and clinical hydration status during infusion.

Counselling the patient

  • Explain that this is a drip giving salt, sugar and water to keep you hydrated.
  • Report any swelling, breathlessness or feeling unwell during the infusion.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is grounded in national IV fluid therapy guidance (NICE) and longstanding crystalloid pharmacology rather than a single trial.

Reference: NICE CG174/NG29; APLS; JBDS; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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