Intravenous Solutions: Widely Used To Prevent Dehydration in Patient

Intravenous Solutions

Intravenous solutions are supplemental fluids that are administered via the intravenous route to maintain or restore normal fluid volume and electrolyte balance. They are used in intravenous therapy when oral hydration is impractical, or to replace lost fluids from other sources such as vomiting and diarrhea. Intravenous hydration is the best approach to prevent dehydration in certain conditions, including severe heat illness and acute illnesses such as diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also the preferred approach to replenish fluids lost due to gastrointestinal or renal dysfunction, as well as other medical conditions that can cause dehydration.

The type of fluid administered is a factor that can determine the course of treatment, but every patient has different needs, and each person responds differently to an IV infusion. Most IV solutions are hypotonic, which means they contain fewer solutes (or osmolality) than blood plasma. In contrast, hypertonic solutions contain more solutes (or osmolality) and expand the extracellular and intracellular fluid spaces.

Global Intravenous Solutions Market size was valued at US$ 9,907.8 Million in 2022 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period (2022 – 2030).

Hypotonic fluids should be administered with care, as they can cause cerebral edema, Intravenous Solutions which can lead to the worsening of both osmolarity and volume status. This is especially true in patients with underlying disorders that may predispose them to hyponatremia, such as hypovolemia or hypertension. In addition to salts, sodium bicarbonate is another common infused intravenous solution that can help treat acidosis in some patients with chronic or recurring loss of fluid and electrolytes. It is sometimes given in place of sodium chloride, particularly when the patient has a history of GI or renal losses that can affect bicarbonate.

Sodium bicarbonate is typically reserved for cases of metabolic acidosis, but it can also be used to restore fluid and electrolyte levels after other forms of dehydration have occurred. The use of this approach is controversial, but it may be effective in some patients, such as those with a history of GI or renal losses or those in whom an underlying disease processes the bicarbonate from gastrointestinal and other sources. Lactated Ringer’s Solution is a commonly prescribed intravenous solutions for a variety of health problems, such as major burns, hemorrhage, or other serious loss of blood.

This solution is typically paired with dextrose in water, but it can also be administered without sugar, such as a lactated Ringer’s free of lactate. Dextrose is a popular choice of hypertonic IV fluid for treating hypoglycemia, and nurses administer this medication rapidly through an IV. It’s a standard practice to hydrate patients with this solution after surgery, but doctors can also prescribe it for emergencies that require rapid rehydration.