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Crystalloids

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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.

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