What solution must filgrastim be administered with?

Filgrastim is a medication used primarily to stimulate the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow, particularly following chemotherapy or bone marrow suppression. It is important that filgrastim is administered with the correct solution to maintain its stability and efficacy.

The correct answer, which is dextrose, is significant because filgrastim is typically diluted in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) for intravenous administration. Dextrose solutions are isotonic and provide a suitable environment for the stability of protein-based medications like filgrastim.

In contrast, normal saline and sterile water do not provide the necessary stabilizing conditions that filgrastim requires. Lactated Ringer's solution, while a common intravenous fluid, is not compatible with filgrastim, as the composition may affect the stability or efficacy of the drug. Therefore, using dextrose ensures that the medication is administered safely and effectively.