The influence of intravenous solution content on ritodrine-induced metabolic changes

To examine the influence of intravenous (IV) solution content on ritodrine-induced metabolic changes, 25 patients treated with various IV solutions were studied before and after a bolus of fluid, and during IV drug therapy, for the effect of hematocrit, pH, lactate, glucose, and electrolyte concentrations. Results were viewed on a mg/kg/minute ritodrine dosage basis. Dextrose-containing fluids caused a significant elevation of glucose after bolus therapy, and 5% dextrose in water also significantly altered lactate and potassium levels. Dextrose enhanced drug-mediated changes in potassium, sodium, chloride, pH, and lactate. The CO2 content dropped in all patients, regardless of IV content. The best IV solution would appear to be plain lactated Ringer's, and the least desirable, 5% dextrose in water.