In healthcare facilities, patients are not always in a state where they can ingest medications via oral route. In such cases, drug and food delivery through alternate routes like the intravenous pathway is often approached. This is because the IV route is quick because of bypasses the digestive system. IV fluids are, therefore, a necessity. But what is in an IV bag that renders it highly effective when used on its own or as a carrier for medications and nutritional components?
V bags are necessary in healthcare facilities due to their quick access to the bloodstream
In this article, let us explore the answer to the question of what is in an IV bag and what functions these ingredients perform.
What is an IV Bag?
An IV bag is an assembly in which intravenous fluids are stored and administered at the time of need. These IV bags are employed after attaching them with an IV tubing which is further connected to a cannula. IV bags are of different types as their constituents vary and therefore can be employed for different purposes.
What is in an IV Bag?
While learning what is in an IV bag, it is essential to take a look at all of the possible constituents an IV solution can contain along with the functions these components have in the body. These include the following:
Water for Injection/ IV Fluids
Water or any other fluid is the major component of an IV bag. These fluids are needed for the maintenance of the body’s homeostasis. The use of sterile water is necessary for IV bags as IV solutions can become a source of infection if they are not completely free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.
Therefore, it must be made sure that the fluid/water is safe. For this purpose, the process of sterilization can be employed to ensure that the vehicle is microbe-free. Apart from acting as a carrier for the added salts and medications, water also helps manage dehydration by replenishing the lost body fluids.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are the chemical substances that are required to keep the body’s normal function intact. These include the salts that are needed for different purposes and should be kept in mind while learning what is in an IV bag. The electrolytes that are commonly included in IV bags are mentioned in the following table along with their functions:
| Electrolytes in IV Bags | Their IV Solutions | Their Functions |
| Sodium chloride (NaCl) | Normal saline /Saline solutions (0.45%, 0.9%) | Management of dehydration
Replenishment of body slats after severe diarrhea and vomiting Maintenance of blood volume during blood transfusion or low blood pressure Fluid resuscitation during hemorrhage Treatment of hyponatremia i.e. low sodium levels Priming solution during hemodialysis |
| Sodium lactate | Lactated Ringer’s solution (along with NaCl) | Ideal fluid for fluid resuscitation
Management of fluid loss post-surgery Treatment of metabolic acidosis Employment during childbirth for rapid uterine dilation |
| Potassium chloride |
IV route of administration is suitable for the elderly as well
Glucose
Glucose is another essential component of IV bags. Being a caloric agent, glucose can be metabolized by the body to gain energy. This is particularly helpful when the patient is severely dehydrated, has low blood sugar levels, or is in a state of coma. While learning what is in an IV bag, always remember that glucose is present in the form of dextrose and serves the following benefits:
| Glucose Solution | IV Solution | Functions |
| Dextrose (another name for glucose) | Dextrose water solution (D5W) | As a caloric agent during dehydration
Management of hypernatremia i.e. high sodium levels in the body Facilitation in renal excretion |
Medications and Nutritional Components
In addition, learning what is in an IV bag, keep in mind that an IV fluid can also contain medications or vital nutrients if necessary. The IV bags containing nutritional components are termed total parenteral nutrition or TPN bags. The nutritional components which can be present in an IV bag can contain:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
Minerals
Minerals are needed by the body to assist the bodily functions. Some of the important minerals include magnesium which is needed for better sleep, regulation of heart rhythm, as well as for keeping the bones healthy. In addition, magnesium also strengthens our bones. Similarly, while learning what is in an IV bag, note that zinc is also needed for wound healing and improved immune function. Both of these can be added to the IV bags.
IV bags are connected with a cannula at the time of usage
Vitamins
Vitamins are the necessary components of our diet which we can take from fruits. However, with a disease or altered health state, the patients cannot ingest much food. Therefore, vitamins are also added to IV bags.
The IV bags often contain B complex vitamins which is a combination of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. In addition, IV solutions can also contain cobalamin or B12 in high concentrations. All of these are needed for enhancing the energy levels in the body along with improving nerve function and therefore should be focused on while learning what is in an IV bag.
The IV solutions containing vitamin C are helpful for elevating the ability of our immune system to fight infectious agents and diseases while vitamin D3 is administered for improved bone function. Some IV fluids also contain nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD+ which is essential for brain function.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins in the body. We require proteins for several purposes i.e. from repair to building new cells. But, while learning what is in an IV bag, remember that amino acids needed for protein synthesis are often not present in many food items. Therefore, their deficiency is common.
In IV bags, amino acids like glutathione and taurine can be incorporated. These help the body against the damage caused by free radicals owing to their antioxidant nature. In addition, essential amino acids also help promote weight loss and support the functions of bodily organs. While learning what is in an IV bag, it is also important to focus on Lipo MIC Plus.
Lipo MIC plus or Lipo C is a combination of amino acids that is also present in IV bags. It is employed for the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disorders. In addition, the injection is also helpful for supporting liver function and maintaining energy levels. The ingredients in Lipo MIC Plus are choline, methionine, as well as inositol.
IV therapy is the fastest way for medication delivery
Intravenous Solutions for IV Therapy at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
While learning what is in an IV bag, it is important to remember that IV solutions are needed in almost all healthcare facilities for multiple reasons. These can either be administered on their own or can be paired with medications that are incorporated and dissolved in them before administration.
Considering their high demand, multiple companies manufacture IV products. Some of these fluids for IV therapy are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 250 mL 24/Cs
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 250 mL 24/Cs
US$329.88
Product Details
ICU Medical Hospira sodium chloride 0.9% injection IV solution comes in an IV bag of 250 ml capacity. The product is employed for parenteral use and contains a dilute solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) in a concentration of 0.9%. While learning what is in an IV bag, it is important to keep in mind that the normal saline has sterile water for injection as its vehicle.
The use of these ICU Medical Hospira normal saline 0.9% injection IV solutions is that these can carry drugs added to them directly into the bloodstream. Moreover, the solution is also free from pyrogens which renders it suitable for use in immunocompromised individuals as well and the risk of infection is minimal.
The osmolarity of this sodium chloride normal saline solution is 0.308 mOsm/ml. As for the pH of the solution, the value is nearly 5.3 (between 4.5 to 7.0). However, it can be adjusted if needed using either hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sodium chloride (NaCl).
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 500 mL 24/Cs
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 500 mL 24/Cs
US$329.88
Product Details
ICU Medical Hospira sodium chloride 0.9% injection IV normal saline solution is marketed in a 500 ml pack. The properties of the product as similar to those mentioned above except for the volume of the IV solution it contains. While learning what is in an IV bag, it is essential to know that these saline solutions are prepared using the method proposed by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
B. Braun L7500: Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV 1000 mL CS/12
US$519.88
Product Details
- Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solution IV is a solution which contains three solutes i.e. sodium chloride, sodium lactate, calcium chloride, as well as potassium chloride. While learning what is in an IV bag, it should be kept in mind that all the solutes are dissolved in water for injection.
The product is suitable for intravenous administration when there is a need for fluid replacement. The volume of Ringer’s solution packed in each B. Braun L7500 pack is 1000 ml.
Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS
Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS
US$579.88
Product Details
Grifols 729620 IV injection solution sodium chloride 0.9% serves as a base for carrying medications as well as nutrients for intravenous administration. While learning what is in an IV bag, it is essential to keep in mind that these products come in a disposable bag that is free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as well as toxic chemicals like DEHP.
Moreover, the product is also free from natural rubber latex which renders it safe for individuals sensitive to rashes and allergies. These sodium chloride-based IV solutions are sterile and can be administered either on their own or can be used as a vehicle for intravenous medications.
Baxter 2B0041 5% Dextrose Injection, USP in Mini-Bag Plus Container, 100 mL (80/CS)
Baxter 2B0041 5% Dextrose Injection, USP in Mini-Bag Plus Container, 100 mL (80/CS)
US$549.88
Product Details
Baxter 2B0041 5% dextrose injection, USP in mini-bag plus container is a solution made up of dextrose which is another name for glucose. The solution is a caloric agent as dextrose can be metabolized by the body to produce energy. That’s why, this dextrose solution is particularly helpful for people who are severely dehydrated and require a quick boost of glucose.
While exploring what is in an IV bag, remember that these solutions often come in a flexible plastic container that can hold up to 100 ml of the fluid. Moreover, these Baxter 2B0041 5% dextrose injection solutions are free from any added preservatives which makes them even safer for IV therapy. The method given in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) has been employed while learning what is in an IV bag followed by their formulation.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
IV fluids along with their tubing
The IV solutions mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased 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 at the end of the article to check the wide range of products for intravenous therapy.
Conclusion
IV solutions are liquid preparations that contain multiple kinds of solutes added into a water or fluid base. While learning what is in an IV bag, it is important to know that their components like electrolytes, minerals, B complex vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, and certain medications are dissolved in water for injection.
These IV fluids are employed for serving various roles like supporting liver function, boosting energy levels, improving bone strength, as well as enhancing the immune system among others. Being the quickest way to deliver medications and nutrients to the bloodstream, IV fluids are given preference over other forms of medicines.
Considering their importance, IV fluids must be purchased in bulk so that your healthcare facility is equipped with the necessary supply. For purchasing different kinds of solutions for IV therapy, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
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.
