What is an IV Solution?
IV solutions are necessary when it comes to handling patients with dehydration, low blood glucose levels, and well as disturbed electrolyte balance. These are directly administered into the veins from where the added salts, nutrients, or medications are quickly picked up by the body cells. According to an estimation by the American Hospital Association, hospitals in the United States use nearly 1.5 million bags of IV fluids on a daily basis, a figure so huge that it accounts for 60% of the country’s total IV supplies.
IV solutions are used in hospitals to keep patients stable and hydrated
In this article, let us understand what IV solutions are, what are their composition and types, as well as why are they employed.
What is an IV Solution?
IV or intravenous solutions or fluids are the liquids that are administered into a patient’s veins using an IV tubing. Their common use is to deal with severe dehydration and replenish electrolytes in the body. In addition, these IV solutions can also carry medications into the body.
Composition of IV Fluids
IV solutions primarily contain:
- Water
- Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium salts
- Glucose
Based on these ingredients, the following IV solutions are commonly used in hospitals:
- Normal saline containing 0.9% of sodium chloride (NaCl)
- D5W which has dextrose (another name for glucose) in a 5% concentration
- Lactated Ringer’s solution which has sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, as well as lactate
Purpose of IV Solutions
IV solutions can be employed for many different purposes. Some of these are as follows:
1.     Management of Dehydration
Dehydration is a state when there is water loss from the body either via excessive sweating or urination. If a person does not drink enough water to regain the lost amount, they become dehydrated. Normally our bodies have nearly 60% water but when the water level falls below this percentage, the person is said to be dehydrated.
In these situations, IV solutions can effectively treat dehydration by providing water to the body. As this water also has salts in it, it can stay in the body and does not get wasted. This way, the blood volume is replenished and the body is no more dehydrated.
2.     Electrolyte Replenishment
Sometimes, these IV solutions are employed for regaining vitality as glucose, salts, and water can help patients feel better and energized.
People take IV solutions to feel energized and replenished
3.     Fluid Balance During Surgery
IV solutions are often used during surgeries to maintain the fluid concentration in the body. These also help create a moist environment around the tissues which promotes healing.
4.     Medication Delivery
Some medications are also added to the IV solutions and administered into the veins. These include:
- Antibiotics
- Chemotherapeutic agents
- Antifungals
- Pain relief medications, etc.
5.     IV Nutrition Therapy
IV solutions can also deliver nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in addition to minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes. The IV solutions rich in these nutrients are called total parenteral nutrition or TPN solutions and are often given to those who cannot take food orally.
Types
IV solutions can be classified into three categories based on their tonicity, a property that takes into account the relative concentration of solute in two solutions as well as the movement of water depending on it. These categories are:
1.     Hypotonic Solutions
A hypotonic solutions have lower concentration of solute relative to another solution. To understand this, take a look at the following image. The left glass contains less concentration of solute as compared to the IV solution present in the right glass. That’s why, the left solution is hypotonic in relation to the one it is being compared to.
2.     Hypertonic Solutions
Hypertonic solutions have higher concentrations of solute as compared to other solutions. In the following image, the solution in the right glass is hypertonic due to more solute in it.
A comparison of hypotonic fluids and hypertonic fluids
3.     Isotonic Solutions
Two IV solutions that carry the same concentration of solute in them are called isotonic (iso = same tonicity) to each other. These are the types of solutions that are most suitable for our bodies as isotonic fluids keep our cells alive and healthy. However, hypertonic solutions make cells shrink while hypotonic solutions expand them so much that they often burst.
IV Solutions vs Oral Hydration: What is the Difference?
The mechanism of IV solutions and oral hydration differ because of the route of their administration. This leads to massive changes in the internal pathways taken by these solutions as well as the extent of effects they have on our bodies. These two have been discussed as follows:
Oral Hydration
When we eat or drink something through the oral route, it passes from our esophagus and goes into the digestive system. In the stomach, protein-based substances are broken down after which the food is pushed down towards the intestines which digest the rest of the components.
When digestion is complete, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the small intestine. Oral hydration works the same way. These rehydrating solutions are to drunk orally from where they go into the digestive tract and get digested before finally making their way into the bloodstream.
This process takes time and the nutrients reach into the blood and then into the body cells after several minutes of their administration. Secondly, not all the nutrients make it to the blood as some get stuck within the intestine and get eliminated from the body with feces.
IV Solutions
In the case of IV solutions, the fluids are directly injected into the blood. This way, not only the digestion process is bypassed but also the body gets all the nutrients present in the solution as nothing goes to waste. Moreover, the method is quicker as well.
Effect of hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic solutions on our red blood cells
What is Electrolyte Balance?
Electrolyte balance refers to a state in which a person has the correct concentrations of all the electrolytes required by the body. Electrolytes, in particular, are minerals that have either a positive or a negative charge on them and are present in our blood as well as other body fluids. These are inclusive to:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
Importance of Electrolyte Balance in IV Solutions
When we have all of these electrolytes in their required concentrations, our body function is at its best in terms of the functioning of muscles as well as the maintenance of our blood chemistry.
Electrolyte Imbalance and its Treatment
Reasons
The following are some of the causes of electrolyte imbalance:
- Dehydration
- Overhydration or fluid overload
- Use of certain medications
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Kidney disease
Symptoms
When the electrolyte balance in our body is disturbed, we can experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Tingling in the fingers, toes, and limbs
- Numbness
- Irregular heartbeat
Management
For the management of electrolyte imbalance, the following steps should be taken:
- Addition of more fruits and vegetables to the diet
- Administration of oral supplements or IV solutions
- Drinking more water
- Eating three balanced and nutritious meals every day
Medicines as well as nutrients can be administered via the IV route
IV Solutions at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
IV solutions are essential to have in healthcare facilities where several patients need them for different reasons. Some are administered with IV fluids to manage their dehydration while others are given these liquids for the maintenance of blood volume during surgeries.
Whatever the case may be, the importance of IV solutions is undeniable. Many different kinds of IV solutions are available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
B. Braun L8000 Replacement Preparation Sodium Chloride, Preservative Free 0.9% IV Solution Flexible Bag 1,000 mL 12 EA/CA
US$529.88
Product Details
- Braun L8000 replacement preparation contains 0.9% sodium chloride as its chief electrolyte. This IV solution comes in a flexible bag which is easy to store as well as carry. The attachment with the IV drip set is easy and quick. The material is free from any kind of preservatives which means that it is safe for use in all cases.
B. Braun L5101 Dextrose Water 5% IV Solution Flexible Bag 500 mL CS/24
US$377.88
Product Details
- Braun L5101 dextrose water 5% IV solution comes in a flexible plastic bag in a concentration of 500 ml. The product is used as a caloric agent as the dextrose or glucose present in it gives energy to the body. This IV solution is ideal for people who are feeling dizzy and have headaches.
B. Braun L7500: Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV 1000 mL CS/12
US$533.33
Product Details
- Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solution comes in 1000 ml packaging. It is administered intravenously for the purpose of fluid replacement. At the above-mentioned price, 12 flexible bags of B. Braun lactated Ringer’s solution can be purchased. The product can be stored for longer as well.
Grifols 729620 IV Injection IV Fluid Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS
US$579.88
Product Details
Grifols 729620 IV injection solution contains 0.9% sodium chloride sterile solution. Apart from this electrolyte, the product is free from preservatives and does not contain DEHP. Moreover, neither the solution nor the packaging contains natural rubber latex. The product comes in a 500 ml non-PVC bag. It can be employed as a base for medication delivery as well as on its own for the management of reduced blood volume.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
IV solutions are administered using an IV drip set
The different kinds of IV fluids mentioned in the article, along with many other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out the wide range of solutions for IV therapy.
Bottom Line
During summertime, people often feel exhausted and tired all the time. The same goes for winter when our water intake is minimal. As a result, issues like dehydration and electrolyte imbalance become common. As a management strategy, IV solutions are administered which replenish the body and replace the lost nutrients. This way, dehydration is tackled.
Every day, hospitals use tons of IV fluid bags during surgeries or for hospitalized patients to give them an energy boost as well as to put their bodies in a state where they can heal themselves. Therefore, having a good stock of IV solutions is essential to keep up with the flow of patients within healthcare facilities. For purchasing the different kinds of IV solutions, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
Our Recommended Irrigation Solution for Wound Cleaning
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B. Braun Irrigation Solution |
| Manufacturer: B. Braun
Application: Irrigation Solution/Not for Injection Bottle Ingredients: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Preservative Free Quantity: 1000 ml Price: US$374.88 SHOP NOW!
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PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
