Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
Generic name: dextrose 5% in water (intravenous injection) [ DEX-trose ]
Drug class:Glucose elevating agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 5, 2021.
What is dextrose 5% in water?
Dextrose is a form of glucose (sugar). Dextrose 5% in water is injected into a vein through an IV to replace lost fluids and provide carbohydrates to the body.
Dextrose 5% in water is used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), insulin shock, or dehydration (fluid loss). Dextrose 5% in water is also given for nutritional support to patients who are unable to eat because of illness, injury, or other medical condition.
Dextrose 5% in water is sometimes used as a diluent (liquid) for preparing injectable medication in an IV bag. A diluent provides a large amount of fluid in which to dilute a small amount of medicine. The diluent helps carry the medicine into your bloodstream through the IV. This helps your caregivers inject the medicine slowly and more safely into your body.
Dextrose 5% in water may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dextrose.
Before using dextrose 5% in water, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, breathing problems, an electrolyte imbalance, kidney or liver disease, a food or drug allergy, or if you receive regular blood transfusions.
Do not mix dextrose 5% in water with any medication that has not been prescribed by your doctor. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store your medicine.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when dextrose 5% in water is injected.
Stop using dextrose 5% in water and call your doctor at once if you have a fever, cough, wheezing, increased thirst or urination, confusion, hallucinations, extreme thirst, muscle weakness, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or severe irritation or signs of infection around the IV needle.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dextrose.
To make sure you can safely use dextrose 5% in water, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
diabetes;
breathing problems;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
kidney or liver disease;
any allergy to foods or medicines; or
if you receive regular blood transfusions.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dextrose 5% in water will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether dextrose 5% in water passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is dextrose 5% in water given?
Dextrose 5% in water is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and prop...
