D5 1/2NS
Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy
| Stands for | Dextrose 5% in half-normal saline |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
D5 1/2NS stands for Dextrose 5% in half-normal saline, a pharmacy abbreviation.
IV fluid with 0.45% sodium chloride and 5% dextrose, long the standard adult maintenance fluid, often with 20 mEq/L of potassium chloride added. It provides free water, some sodium and enough glucose to prevent ketosis.
Example: D5 1/2NS with 20 KCl at 100 mL/h while NPO.
Usage notes
Also written D5 0.45NS or D5½NS. In 2018 the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended isotonic maintenance fluids for most children aged 28 days to 18 years because hypotonic fluids such as D5 1/2NS and D5 1/4NS caused hospital-acquired hyponatremia. Many adult hospitals have followed a similar shift.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- CR – Controlled release
- CSOS – Controlled Substance Ordering System
- CSP – Compounded sterile preparation
- CSTD – Closed-system drug-transfer device
- D – Decongestant
- D10W – Dextrose 10% in water
- D50 – Dextrose 50%
- D5NS – Dextrose 5% in normal saline
- D5W – Dextrose 5% in water
- DIR – Direct and indirect remuneration
- DPI – Dry powder inhaler
- DR – Delayed release
See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.