This site is intended for healthcare professionals

account_circleSign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

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.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page