Last updated: May 1, 2026
What product is being sourced?
The request maps to 5% dextrose + Electrolyte No. 48 packaged as a parenteral solution in a plastic container. In the US market, this combination is commonly sold under brand/manufacturer-specific names that include “Dextrose 5% in Electrolyte 48” (exact naming and container type vary by label and distribution).
Who supplies it (by manufacturer and product line)?
The market for this specific admixture strength is typically served by a small set of large parenteral solution manufacturers that produce electrolyte/dextrose combinations in polyolefin plastic containers (commonly Viaflex-style systems in the US supply chain).
Active suppliers commonly used for sourcing in bulk and distribution:
- Hospira (Pfizer)
- Baxter
- Fresenius Kabi
- McKesson Specialty Health / Cardinal Health distribution channels (where they act as wholesalers and may carry multiple manufacturers under their distribution network)
Which plastic-container formats are used?
Supplies for this category are usually packaged as:
- Single-dose plastic container (polyolefin)
- Larger volume pharmacy dispensing containers depending on hospital system contracts
Distribution labels and container SKUs vary by market and contract, but the defining attribute for procurement is plastic container versus glass or non-PVC formats.
Supplier selection logic for R&D, formulary, and procurement
For sourcing “Dextrose 5% and Electrolyte No. 48 in plastic container,” procurement teams typically shortlist suppliers using:
Manufacturing capability and packaging
- Parenteral solutions capacity for dextrose + electrolyte combinations
- Plastic container production and/or filling aligned with hospital IV administration standards
Regulatory and supply continuity
- US FDA-approved product availability (or the relevant national equivalent for non-US sourcing)
- Consistent lot release and distribution coverage for hospital pharmacy networks
Contracting and procurement route
- Direct supply through the manufacturer for large health systems
- Indirect supply via national distributors when hospital systems lock manufacturer lists
How to identify the right supplier in procurement practice
Procurement should match the supplier SKU to the label attributes that matter operationally:
- Active composition: “Dextrose 5%” + “Electrolyte No. 48”
- Container type: plastic container (single-dose)
- Strength/volume: the exact labeled volume (mL) shown on the container
- Billing units: NDC (US), UPC (distribution), and pack count
Recommended supplier shortlist (practical for buying)
Use the following supplier set when running a sourcing request for “Dextrose 5% and Electrolyte No. 48” in plastic containers:
- Baxter
- Fresenius Kabi
- Hospira (Pfizer)
- Wholesalers for allocation coverage: McKesson and Cardinal Health
Procurement-ready checklist (what to confirm in the supplier response)
- Product name includes “Dextrose 5%” and “Electrolyte No. 48”
- Packaging states plastic container (polyolefin) and indicates the container volume
- Supplier provides NDC/UDI, case pack, and lead time terms
- Supplier confirms availability status and next lot ship window
Key Takeaways
- The product category is a 5% dextrose + Electrolyte No. 48 parenteral solution in plastic (polyolefin) containers.
- Shortlist the major sterile parenteral manufacturers that routinely supply these formulations: Baxter, Fresenius Kabi, and Hospira (Pfizer).
- Use national distributors (McKesson, Cardinal Health) for allocation coverage when direct manufacturer sourcing is constrained.
- Match supplier offers by exact label composition, plastic container format, and the labeled volume/SKU.
FAQs
1) Are these products typically made in polyolefin plastic containers?
Yes. In the US sterile parenteral supply chain, these combinations are commonly packaged in polyolefin plastic container systems rather than glass.
2) Can I source this through national distributors even if my preferred manufacturer is out of stock?
Yes. Wholesalers usually carry multiple manufacturers of equivalent electrolyte/dextrose parenteral solutions under different SKUs.
3) What must procurement verify to avoid mismatch?
Confirm the exact label naming (dextrose 5% + Electrolyte No. 48), plastic container, and the container volume.
4) Do all suppliers package the same exact volume and pack size?
No. Even with the same composition, container volume and case pack can differ by manufacturer and distribution contract.
5) What documentation should come with the supplier quote?
The quote should include the SKU identifiers (NDC/UDI where applicable), container volume, pack count, lead time, and lot/expiry handling terms.
References
[1] Baxter. “IV Solutions and Parenteral Products” (manufacturer product portfolio information). Baxter Healthcare. https://www.baxter.com/
[2] Fresenius Kabi. “Parenteral Nutrition and IV Solutions” (manufacturer product portfolio information). Fresenius Kabi. https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/
[3] Pfizer (formerly Hospira). “Hospira/Injectable Sterile Products” (manufacturer portfolio information). Pfizer. https://www.pfizer.com/
[4] McKesson. “Pharmaceutical Distribution” (distribution coverage and supply channel overview). McKesson. https://www.mckesson.com/
[5] Cardinal Health. “Pharmaceutical Distribution” (distribution coverage and supply channel overview). Cardinal Health. https://www.cardinalhealth.com/
