50% Dextrose

Adult dose

50 ml of 50% Dextrose (25 Gm). May be repeated if there is no response or a minimal response is noted in marked hypoglycemia

Generic Name

50% Dextrose

Special Considerations

Administer through a free flowing IV Live preferable started in a large vein. Tissue necrosis can be extremely severe. Notify the physician immediately on arrival to the hospital if you suspect infiltration. If available, a glucometer blood glucose level should be done prior to administration of dextrose. Use oral glucose only in conscious alert patients with a gag reflex

Classification

Carbohydrate

Trade Name

D50, Insta-Glucose (oral preparation)

Route of administration

IV

Contraindications

None, if documented hypoglycemia exists

Supplied

Prefilled Syringes containing 50 ml of 50% Dextrose (25 Gm)

Actions

Raise circulating serum glucose levels. Acts transiently as an osmotic diuretic

Indications

Symptomatic hypoglycemia. Comas of unknown origins

Side Effects

Tissue necrosis if it infiltrates the skin. May precipitate severe neurological symptoms (Wernicke's Syndrome) in alcoholics.