Crystalloids

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.