D5W

Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy

D5W
Stands forDextrose 5% in water
CategoriesMedical

D5W stands for Dextrose 5% in water, a pharmacy abbreviation.

IV solution of 50 g of glucose per liter in sterile water, supplying about 170 kcal per liter. It is used to correct free-water deficits, to prevent hypoglycemia and as a diluent for drugs such as amiodarone and nitroglycerin that are unstable in saline.

Example: Amiodarone 900 mg in 500 mL D5W at 33 mL/h after the bolus.

Usage notes

D5W is roughly isotonic in the bag, but once the glucose is metabolized it acts as pure free water, so it does not stay in the circulation and is unsuitable for resuscitation. Large volumes can cause hyponatremia. Some drugs, such as phenytoin, precipitate in dextrose and must be mixed in saline.

More pharmacy abbreviations

  • CSTD – Closed-system drug-transfer device
  • D – Decongestant
  • D10W – Dextrose 10% in water
  • D5 1/2NS – Dextrose 5% in half-normal saline
  • D50 – Dextrose 50%
  • D5NS – Dextrose 5% in normal saline
  • DIR – Direct and indirect remuneration
  • DPI – Dry powder inhaler
  • DR – Delayed release
  • DS – Double strength
  • DSCSA – Drug Supply Chain Security Act
  • DTC – Direct-to-consumer advertising

See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.