Dextrose Injection (Compound)

Antidote, Hypoglycemia; Intravenous Nutritional Therapy

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Dextrose, Dextroject/Glucodex/Glucose Nursette/Glutol, a monosaccharide, is a source of calories and fluid for patients unable to obtain an adequate oral intake.  It may decrease body protein and nitrogen losses and promotes glycogen deposition in the liver. When for hyperkalemia (combined with insulin), dextrose stimulates the uptake of potassium by cells, especially in muscle tissue.

Hypoglycemia; Nutritional support; Fluid replacement; Hyperinsulinemia

Before starting Dextrose, Dextroject/Glucodex/Glucose Nursette/Glutol make sure your physician is aware of any allergies (corn) or medications you currently take, if you have diabetes, hyperkalemia, pulmonary edema, renal impairment, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.  Dextrose, Dextroject/Glucodex/Glucose Nursette/Glutol use has been associated with adverse events such as injection site irritation (with extravasation), hepatobiliary effects, hyperglycemia, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, hypersensitivity reactions, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, high risk of infection, parenteral nutrition associated liver disease, and refeeding syndrome.

IV: Hypoglycemia:10 to 25 g (40 to 100 mL of 25% solution or 20 to 50 mL of 50% solution); repeat as needed in severe cases.

Oral: Hypoglycemia: 15 to 20 g as a single dose; repeat in 15 minutes if self-monitoring of blood glucose shows continued hypoglycemia. Once self monitored blood glucose returns to normal, a meal or snack should be consumed to prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.

How to Take: Concentrated IV dextrose (>10%) may be an irritant or a vesicant; higher concentration (higher osmolarity) is associated with a higher risk. Ensure proper needle or catheter placement prior to and during IV infusion.  If extravasation occurs, stop infusion immediately and disconnect leaving the cannula/needle in place then gently aspirate extravasated solution, but do NOT flush the line.  Initiate hyaluronidase antidote then remove needle/cannula and apply dry cold compresses while keeping the infusion site elevated. Oral dosage forms must be swallowed to be absorbed; buccal absorption has been shown to be minimal.

You Need to Avoid: Injectable is not for SubQ or IM administration.  

Localized phlebitis, phlebitis, venous thrombosis, confusion, loss of consciousness, dehydration, glycosuria, hyperglycemia, hyperosmolar syndrome, hypervolemia, hypokalemia, local pain, pulmonary edema

Note the frequency of side effects is not established in clinical trials

1. What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
   If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.