
Directions. If given intramuscularly or subcutaneously dilute with normal saline to 5% dextrose (1 volume Dextrose Solution 50% mixed with 9 volumes of normal saline), divided among several injection sites and massaged to aid in absorption. Contraindications: Do not administer intraperitoneally.
How much dextrose is in a normal saline infusion?
The four studies appraised all provide evidence that appropriate volumes of subcutaneous dextrose infusions (in the form of half-normal saline-glucose 5%, 40 g/L dextrose and 30 mmol/L NaCl, or 5% dextrose solution and 4 g/L NaCl, or two-thirds 5% glucose and one-third normal saline) can be used eff …
Is subcutaneous infusion of dextrose effective for rehydration of elderly patients?
Studies selected were primary studies (or systematic reviews of primary studies) providing evidence as to the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous infusion of dextrose solutions for rehydration of elderly patients. We included articles published in English in the last 10 years. Data were extracted by a single researcher.
How long should subcutaneous fluids be given?
Subcutaneous fluids should be prescribed as 1L over 12 or 24 hours It is recommended that no more than 2L should be administered in 24 hours via any one site, and no more than 3L in 24 hours in total

What fluids can be given subcutaneously?
The preferred solution is normal saline, but other solutions, such as half-normal saline, glucose with saline or 5 percent glucose, can also be used. Potassium chloride can be added to the solution bag if needed. Hyaluronidase can also be added to enhance fluid absorption.
Why should dextrose not be given subcutaneously?
1) VETgirl does not recommend administering SQ fluids with dextrose as this type of fluid provides a good medium for bacteria to grow which can result in cellulitis or abscess formation.
What type of fluid should not be given subcutaneously?
Fluids containing dextrose or sugar solutions should be avoided. These can result in infection at the site of injection or severe skin irritation resulting in possible necrosis (dead tissue).
Can you give IV fluids subcutaneous?
When people are unable to take fluids orally those fluids can be administered artificially either intravenously or by infusion into the subcutaneous tissues, a process known as hypodermoclysis. Subcutaneous fluids can be given in this way to maintain hydration in patients who have mild to moderate dehydration.
Why should dextrose solutions greater than 2.5 not be given subcutaneously?
In addition, this solution should not be administered subcutaneously, because extracellular electrolytes tend to diffuse down the concentration gradient into the area of hypodermoclysis. When this happens the subsequent reduction of plasma solute can lower the circulating blood volume and cause hypotension.
What fluids can be given via hypodermoclysis?
The fluids used are commonly normal saline (0.9%), normal saline/dextrose (2/3-1/3) and Ringer's Lactate. Dextrose cannot be used as a hypodermoclysis solution. The infusion rate can be up to 75 ml/hr. Solutions are infused by gravity, i.e., a pump is usually not necessary.
Can normal saline be used subcutaneously?
In a study involving elderly patients, Slesak et al20 gave participants 500 mL subcutaneous or IV infusions of 5% dextrose and half-normal saline over 2–6 hours as necessary. Overall, the median volume administered was 750 mL/d for the subcutaneous group and 1000 mL/d for the IV group.
Can normal saline and potassium be given subcutaneously?
It must always be diluted in infusion fluid (RL or 0.9% sodium chloride). It must never be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
When do you give a subcutaneous fluid?
Subcutaneous infusion may be particularly suited for patients with mild to moderate dehydration or malnutrition when oral/enteral intake is insufficient; when placement of an intravenous catheter is not possible, tolerated, or desirable; at risk of dehydration when oral intake is not tolerated; as a bridging technique ...
Can you give dextrose subcutaneous?
The four studies appraised all provide evidence that appropriate volumes of subcutaneous dextrose infusions (in the form of half-normal saline-glucose 5%, 40 g/L dextrose and 30 mmol/L NaCl, or 5% dextrose solution and 4 g/L NaCl, or two-thirds 5% glucose and one-third normal saline) can be used effectively for the ...
Can you give dextrose sq?
What Type of Fluid Do I Use for Subcutaneous Fluids? Injectable fluids come in various forms, but only a few should be used for subcutaneous administration. Lactated ringers, 0.9 percent saline, Ringer's, Normosol-R, and Plasmalyte are most commonly used. Fluids containing dextrose or sugar solutions should be avoided.
Can normal saline be given subcutaneously?
In a study involving elderly patients, Slesak et al20 gave participants 500 mL subcutaneous or IV infusions of 5% dextrose and half-normal saline over 2–6 hours as necessary. Overall, the median volume administered was 750 mL/d for the subcutaneous group and 1000 mL/d for the IV group.
Why is D5W not used for fluid resuscitation?
Dextrose solutions (i.e., 5% dextrose in water) should not be used for the initial fluid resuscitation of children because large volumes of glucose-containing intravenous solutions do not effectively expand the intravascular compartment and may result in hyperglycemia and a secondary osmotic diuresis.
Abstract
In the Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services Program at Southern Health in Victoria, saline hypodermoclysis is a relatively common method of rehydration. However, there were questions about the safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous infusion of other fluids and, in particular, dextrose solutions.
Background
Hypodermoclysis, or subcutaneous fluid infusion, was widely used to treat dehydration in the first half of last century. However after reports of severe adverse reactions in the 1950s [ 1 ], predominantly resulting from infusion of hypertonic solutions, hypodermoclysis fell into disrepute and then almost entirely out of use.
Methods
We carried out a comprehensive search of the literature including the Cochrane Library, Medline, IDIS, CINAHL, Current Contents, Premedline, Australasian Medical Index, the Joanna Briggs Institute and the United States National Guideline Clearinghouse (Table 1 ).
Results and discussion
The systematic review by Rochon et al [ 2] aimed to evaluate the evidence supporting the use of hypodermoclysis to treat dehydration in elderly patients. The review evaluated efficacy and safety data on hypodermoclysis from 13 studies, which investigated the effects of a range of different administered fluids, including some dextrose solutions.
Conclusions
The four reviewed studies, including one systematic review and two randomised-controlled trials, as well as one less methodologically rigorous study, all provide evidence that appropriate volumes of subcutaneous dextrose infusions (in the form of half-normal saline-glucose 5%, 40 g/L dextrose and 30 mmol/L NaCl, or 5% dextrose solution and 4 g/L NaCl, or two-thirds 5% glucose and one-third normal saline) can be used effectively for the treatment of dehydration in elderly patients, with similar rates of adverse effects to intravenous infusion..