D5NS

Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy

D5NS
Stands forDextrose 5% in normal saline
CategoriesMedical

D5NS stands for Dextrose 5% in normal saline, a pharmacy abbreviation.

IV fluid combining 0.9% sodium chloride with 50 g/L of glucose, used when a patient needs isotonic sodium replacement plus some calories to prevent ketosis or hypoglycemia, as in fasting surgical patients or DKA once glucose falls.

Example: Switch to D5NS at 125 mL/h when glucose drops below 250 mg/dL in DKA.

Usage notes

Also written D5 0.9NS or D5/NS. The dextrose supplies only about 170 kcal per liter, enough to prevent starvation ketosis but far short of nutritional needs. The bag's initial osmolarity is high (about 560 mOsm/L), but it behaves as isotonic once the glucose is metabolized.

More pharmacy abbreviations

  • CSP – Compounded sterile preparation
  • 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%
  • D5W – Dextrose 5% in water
  • DIR – Direct and indirect remuneration
  • DPI – Dry powder inhaler
  • DR – Delayed release
  • DS – Double strength
  • DSCSA – Drug Supply Chain Security Act

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.