GLUCOSE (DEXTROSE)

Glucose, also known as dextrose, is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is the primary fuel used by most cells in the body.

Uses

Dextrose injection is a sterile solution used to provide your body with extra water and carbohydrates (calories from sugar). It is used when a patient is not able to drink enough liquids or when additional fluids are needed. Dextrose is used in many different medical conditions. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Warning

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Bluish color
blurred vision
changes in skin color
cough
dizziness
fast or slow heartbeat
fever
headache
pain, redness, pale skin, or infection at the site of injection
pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
rapid breathing
severe headaches of sudden onset
shortness of breath
sudden loss of coordination
sudden onset of slurred speech
sudden vision changes
swelling of the arms, feet, or lower legs
weight gain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Precautions

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Diabetes or
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or
Peripheral edema (swelling of the arms, feet, or lower legs) or
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child closely to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Dosing & Brands

Your doctor will determine and oversee the proper dosing of this medicine.

Available brands:

Endure Medical 10% Dextrose in Water (Shanxi Nuocheng Pharma)
Endure Medical 5% Dextrose in Water (Shanxi Nuocheng Pharma)
Phil Pharmawealth/Atlantic 50% Dextrose (Atlantic Lab)
Euro-Med 5% Dextrose in Water (Euro-Med)