Dextrose in water

Dextrose in water is a sterile intravenous solution containing dextrose (a form of glucose) dissolved in purified water. The most common formulation is "dextrose 5% in water" (D5W), which contains 5 grams of dextrose per 100 mL of water. It serves as a source of calories and free water for hydration and is used to treat conditions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), insulin shock, dehydration due to fluid loss, or as nutritional support for patients unable to eat. It may also be used as a diluent for other injectable medications. Mechanistically, the infused dextrose provides carbohydrates that are readily metabolized by the body to produce energy; it can decrease protein and nitrogen loss and prevent ketosis if administered adequately[1][3][5][8].

Brand names

D5WD-5WD 5W5% Dextrose Injection USP

Other names

dextrose 5% in waterD-glucose in waterglucose solutioncorn sugar solutionD-(+)-glucose in water