Last updated: April 24, 2026
Who supplies Dextrose 2.5% and Sodium Chloride 0.33% in plastic containers?
What product configuration is being requested?
“Dextrose 2.5% and Sodium Chloride 0.33% in plastic container” corresponds to a combined IV infusion strength (commonly labeled as Dextrose 2.5% + Sodium Chloride 0.33%, sometimes presented as Dextrose Saline). The request specifies plastic container packaging, which typically aligns with IV solution plastic bags (commonly PVC-free multi-layer film or similar infusion-bag formats), not glass bottles.
Which suppliers distribute this type of IV combination?
The market for this exact strength and packaging format is typically served by two supply categories:
1) Brand/trade product manufacturers (global sterile injectables)
2) Wholesalers and hospital distribution channels (product-specific availability by region)
Because “dextrose 2.5% + sodium chloride 0.33%” is strength-specific and container-type dependent, supplier availability varies by country and tender requirements. Below are widely recognized supplier organizations that participate in sterile IV solutions supply chains where this formulation strength is commonly offered in plastic bags or equivalent infusion containers.
Primary global sterile IV solution suppliers (often supply plastic-container IV solutions)
The following companies are established suppliers of sterile IV fluids in plastic containers (bags). They may offer the requested strength depending on market registration and local supply agreements:
| Supplier / Organization |
Sterile IV fluids footprint |
Plastic container capability |
Typical role |
| B. Braun |
Large global sterile IV portfolio |
IV solution bags and plastic containers |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| Fresenius Kabi |
Major IV fluids supplier |
Sterile IV fluids in plastic bags |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| Hospira / Pfizer (where applicable by market) |
Sterile injectable legacy portfolio |
IV solutions in plastic containers (market-dependent) |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| ICU Medical (via acquisitions/brands in some regions) |
IV solutions + infusion systems presence |
Plastic-container sterile products (market-dependent) |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| Nipro |
Sterile injectable and infusion products |
Plastic IV containers (market-dependent) |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| Otsuka (where applicable by product line in region) |
IV products portfolio in some markets |
Plastic container products (market-dependent) |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| Baxter |
Broad IV solutions footprint |
Plastic-container IV fluids (market-dependent) |
Manufacturer / marketer |
| Fresenius (regional subsidiaries) |
Local manufacturing and distribution |
Plastic containers (market-dependent) |
Manufacturer / marketer |
US supply-channel examples (wholesale distributors)
In the US, the most common “supplier” for a hospital procurement is a wholesaler/distributor rather than the primary manufacturer. For IV solutions in plastic containers, the main distribution firms include:
- McKesson
- Cardinal Health
- AmerisourceBergen (now McKesson as separate entity in some contexts; historically major)
- Henry Schein (limited in IV fluids vs others, more niche by line)
These distributors typically carry multiple manufacturer SKUs for dextrose saline formulations. Exact strength and container format depends on the specific contracted item.
EU/UK supply-channel examples
In Europe and the UK, supply often runs through a mix of national wholesalers and contracted hospital distribution providers. Common wholesalers include:
- Alliance Healthcare
- Celesio / McKesson group (market-dependent)
- Other national distributors by country procurement framework
Again, the formulation strength and plastic-container presentation depends on local authorization and tender specs.
What suppliers are most likely to satisfy “plastic container” procurement specs?
Procurement language for IV fluids in plastic containers typically maps to one of these container families:
- IV infusion bags (plastic)
- Plastic bottles (less common for these exact combination strengths, but used in some markets)
The suppliers most likely to meet the plastic-container requirement are those with large-volume sterile IV manufacturing and ongoing bag-line production.
How to interpret “Dextrose 2.5% and Sodium Chloride 0.33%” for supplier matching
Supplier matching in tenders typically requires aligning:
- Active ingredients: Dextrose (D-Glucose) 2.5% + Sodium Chloride 0.33%
- Dosage form: IV infusion solution
- Container type: plastic container (commonly infusion bag)
- Pack size: usually 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL, depending on national practice
- Sterility and labeling: single-dose sterile container for IV use
Suppliers can differ by pack size even when they carry the same strength.
Supplier shortlists by strategy
Strategy A: Buy through wholesaler for fast availability
If procurement is time-sensitive, the practical “supplier” is usually the wholesaler under a national distribution contract:
- McKesson
- Cardinal Health
- AmerisourceBergen (legacy major channel; active varies by market structure)
These firms source from multiple manufacturers and can usually match plastic container requirements faster than direct manufacturer ordering.
Strategy B: Contract with a primary sterile IV manufacturer
For framework contracts and assured supply, hospitals typically contract directly with:
- B. Braun
- Fresenius Kabi
- Baxter
- Nipro
- ICU Medical (region-dependent)
These suppliers can provide plastic-container sterile IV options at scale.
Key Takeaways
- The request maps to a specific IV infusion strength: Dextrose 2.5% + Sodium Chloride 0.33% in a plastic infusion container.
- Supplier availability depends on market registration and pack-size tender specs, not just formulation.
- The most reliable supplier set for “plastic container” IV fluids is concentrated among major sterile IV manufacturers: B. Braun, Fresenius Kabi, Baxter, Nipro.
- If the buyer needs rapid fulfillment, the effective suppliers are usually major wholesalers: McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen (as channel partner depending on region).
FAQs
1) Are plastic containers always infusion bags for this product class?
Procurement for IV fluids labeled “plastic container” most often means IV solution bags in common sterile bag formats used for infusions.
2) Do wholesalers supply the exact strength (2.5% dextrose, 0.33% sodium chloride)?
Wholesalers typically carry manufacturer SKUs that match the exact strength and container type required by contract. Availability is SKU-specific.
3) Which manufacturers are most consistently positioned for large-volume IV bag supply?
Large-scale sterile IV manufacturers with established bag production lines include B. Braun, Fresenius Kabi, Baxter, and Nipro.
4) Does pack size change the supplier?
Yes. The same strength may appear in multiple pack sizes, and contracts often differ by pack size. Supplier may vary by tender.
5) What determines whether a supplier can quote immediately?
Immediate quoting is driven by market authorization status, current production run availability, and contracted pack size for plastic containers.
References
[1] B. Braun. (n.d.). IV solutions and sterile product information. https://www.bbraun.com/
[2] Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). IV solutions portfolio and sterile drug products. https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/
[3] Baxter. (n.d.). Infusion and IV solutions products. https://www.baxter.com/
[4] Nipro. (n.d.). Sterile pharmaceuticals and IV-related products. https://www.nipro.com/
[5] McKesson. (n.d.). Pharmaceutical distribution services and product supply. https://www.mckesson.com/
[6] Cardinal Health. (n.d.). Pharmaceutical distribution and hospital supply. https://www.cardinalhealth.com/
