Dextrose 50%

Onset

1 min

Adult Dose and Administration

12.5-25 g SIVP; may be repeated once

How Supplied

25g/50 ml prefilled syringe (500 mg/ml)

Class

Carbohydrate Hypertonic Solution

Trade Name

D50

Duration

Depends on the degree of hypoglycemia

Drug Interactions

Non significant

Description

The term dextrose is used to describe the six-carbon sugar D-glucose, the principal form of carbohydrate used by the body. 50% dextrose solution is used in emergency care to treat hypoglycemia and in the management of coma of unknown origin.

Adverse Reactions

Warmth, pain, burning from medication infusion, hyperglycemia, thrombophlebitis

Pediatric Dose and Administration

- 0.5-1 g/kg IV/IO (max recommended concentration is 25%) - 2-4 ml/kg 25% - 5-10 ml/kg 10% - 10-20 ml/kg 5% if volume tolerated

Indications

- Hypoglycemia - Altered Level of Consciousness - Coma of unknown origin - Seizure of unknown origin

Contraindications

- Intracranial hemorrhage - Increased intracranial pressure - Know or suspected stroke in the absence of hypoglycemia

Special Considerations

- Pregnancy Safety: Category C - Draw blood sample before and after administration - Extravasation may cause tissue necrosis; use large vein and aspirated occasionally to ensure route patency - 50% dextrose solution sometimes may precipitate severe neurological symptoms (Wernicke's Encephalopathy) in thiamine-deficient patients (for example, alcoholics). This can be prevented by administering 100 mg of thiamine IV).