crystalloids
Last reviewed 01/2018
Crystalloids include:
- isotonic solutions:
- normal saline 0.9%
- Hartmann's - the same as lactated Ringer's
- dextrose 4% saline 0.18%
- dextrose 5%
- non-isotonic solutions:
- dextrose 15%, 20%, 50%
- sodium bicarbonate 4.2%, 8.4%
- mannitol 10%, 20%
It is important to note that the word isotonic only refers to the fact that red cells do not explode; dextrose is rapidly absorbed and metabolised leaving a hypotonic solution - which behaves like water.