What are the differences in the distribution of fluid after intravenously infuse of normal saline infusion, 5% dextrose and colloid solution.

Answer 1

Colloids are those substances which are not easily crystallized from their aqueous solutions. Crystalloids are those substances which are easily crystallized from their aqueous solution. Colloids contain much larger particles than crystalloids (1 – 200 nm).

The biggest difference in my opinion are the half time life(crystalloid 30-60min; colloids several hours), allergic reaction (crystalloid almost never give an allergic reaction; colloid solutions risk for an anaphylactic reaction) and that the permeability for crystalloids is considered very high in comparison with colloid fluids.

They are both used in medicine and are both effective, the major difference in applying these solutions come down to what diagnosis the patient has and from which they can gain better success rate of healing from.