| Dextrose (%) | Calories/L | Calc. Osmolarity (mOsm/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 85 | 126 |
| 5 | 170 | 250 |
| 7.7 | 260 | 390 |
| 10 | 340 | 505 |
| 11.5 | 390 | 580 |
| 20 | 680 | 1010 |
| 25 | 850 | 1330 |
| 30 | 1020 | 1515 |
| 38 | 1290 | 1920 |
| 40 | 1360 | 2020 |
| 50 | 1700 | 2525 |
| 60 | 2040 | 3030 |
| 70 | 2380 | 3530 |


Generic Name: glucose
Used as a parenteral source of calories and water for parenteral nutrition and hydration.
Hypertonic dextrose injections (concentration >5%) are used to provide adequate calories in a minimal volume of water.
May be admixed with amino acids injections or other compatible IV fluids to provide parenteral nutrition.
10–25% dextrose injections used in neonates and infants to restore blood glucose concentrations in the treatment of acute symptomatic hypoglycemia.
50% dextrose injections used in adults and children to restore blood glucose concentrations in the treatment of hypoglycemia resulting from insulin excess or other causes.
Used orally for the management of hypoglycemia in conscious diabetics.
Administer orally, by slow IV injection, or slow IV infusion.
Concentrated dextrose solutions should not be administered by sub-Q or IM injection.
Administer orally as a gel or a chewable tablet for the management of acute symptomatic hypoglycemia in conscious patients who are able to swallow.
To administer gel, squeeze appropriate dose from tube into mouth and swallow.
Administer hypertonic dextrose solutions (e.g., >5%) slowly; rapid administration may produce substantial hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar syndrome. (See Hyperglycemia and Hyperosmolar Syndrome under Cautions.)
It is preferable to administer hypertonic dextrose solutions via an IV catheter placed into a large central vein, and only after appropriate admixture or dilution.
Hypertonic dextrose solutions may be administered slowly via a large peripheral vein, preferably through a small bore needle. If possible, alternate the injection site daily.
Ensure that the needle (or catheter) is within the vein lumen and avoid extravasation. (See Infusion Site Reactions under Cautions.)
Administer concentrated dextrose solutions (≥10%) only after appropriate dilution, except in the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia.
Usually, administer by IV infusion at a rate of 0.5 g/kg per hour. Approximately 95% of dextrose is retained when infused at a rate of 0.8 g/kg per hour. (See Prescribing Limits under Dosage and Administration.)
For hypoglycemia in children and adults, administer 50% dextrose injection slowly (e.g., 3 mL/minute).
For hypoglycemia in neonates and infants, administer 10–25% dextrose injection slowly.
Each 1 gram of hydrous dextrose provides approximately 3.4 calories.
Dextrose gel contains 40% glucose; each dose (1.3 ounces) provides 15 g of carbohydrates and 60 calories.
Each chewable tablet provides 5 g of carbohydrates and 20 calories; each dose (3 tablets) provides 15 g of carbohydrates.
Determine dosage based on the age, weight, clinical condition, fluid and electrolyte balance, glucose concentration, and acid-base balance of the patient.
| Dextrose (%) | Calories/L | Calc. Osmolarity (mOsm/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 85 | 126 |
| 5 | 170 | 250 |
| 7.7 | 260 | 390 |
| 10 | 340 | 505 |
| 11.5 | 390 | 580 |
| 20 | 680 | 1010 |
| 25 | 850 | 1330 |
| 30 | 1020 | 1515 |
| 38 | 1290 | 1920 |
| 40 | 1360 | 2020 |
| 50 | 1700 | 2525 |
| 60 | 2040 | 3030 |
| 70 | 2380 | 3530 |
Select dosage and infusion rate with caution in pediatric patients, especially in neonates and low-birthweight infants.
Calculate dosage based on patient’s weight, clinical condition, and laboratory results.
Gel: 15 g. Repeat dose after 15 minutes, if necessary.
Chewable tablet: 15 g (3 tablets). Repeat dose after 10–20 minutes, if necessary.
Some clinicians recommend consideration of an additional dose if hypoglycemic symptoms are still present and a blood glucose increase of ≥20 mg/dL is not achieved within 20 minutes.
Neonates and infants: 250–500 mg/kg as a single dose (1–2 mL of 25% dextrose injection) in neonates. In severe cases or in older infants, higher or repeated single doses up to a maximum 10–12 mL of 25% dextrose injection may be required. Subsequently, if required, administer 10% dextrose injection by continuous IV infusion to stabilize blood glucose concentrations. Alternatively, 2 mL/kg of 10–25% dextrose injection in neonates and infants.
Children: 20–50 mL of 50% dextrose injection administered slowly (e.g., 3 mL/minute). In severe cases, repeated doses and supportive therapy may required.
Calculate dosage based on age, weight, clinical condition, fluid and electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance of the patient.
Gel: 15 g. Repeat dose after 15 minutes, if necessary.
Chewable tablet: 15 g (3 tablets). Repeat dose after 10–20 minutes, if necessary.
Some clinicians recommend consideration of an additional dose if hypoglycemic symptoms are still present and a blood glucose increase of ≥20 mg/dL is not achieved within 20 minutes.
20–50 mL of 50% dextrose injection administered slowly (e.g., 3 mL/minute). In severe cases, repeated doses and supportive therapy may be required.
When patients do not respond to or tolerate dextrose, consider the use of other drugs (e.g., glucagon, corticosteroids, epinephrine).
Children: Maximum infusion rate without producing glycosuria: 0.5 g/kg per hour. Maximum infusion rate 0.8 g/kg per hour.
Neonates and infants: Maximum 10–12 mL of 25% dextrose injection in severe cases or in older infants.
Children: Maximum infusion rate without producing glycosuria: 0.5 g/kg per hour. Maximum infusion rate 0.8 g/kg per hour.
Maximum infusion rate without producing glycosuria: 0.5 g/kg per hour. Maximum infusion rate 0.8 g/kg per hour.
Maximum infusion rate without producing glycosuria: 0.5 g/kg per hour. Maximum infusion rate 0.8 g/kg per hour.
No specific dosage recommendations for special populations.
Administer concentrated dextrose injections under supervision of a qualified clinician familiar with IV technique and possible complications.
Risk of hyperglycemia and/or hyperosmolar syndrome (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia, mental confusion, loss of consciousness) with rapid administration, especially in patients with chronic uremia and known carbohydrate intolerance. Administer hypertonic dextrose solutions slowly.
Monitor blood and urine glucose levels; administration of insulin may be required.
When infusions of concentrated dextrose are discontinued, consider a 5 or 10% dextrose substitute solution to prevent rebound hypoglycemia.
Possible fluid and/or solute overload resulting in dilution of serum electrolytes, overhydration, congested conditions, or pulmonary edema. (See Electrolyte Disturbances under Cautions.)
Risk of dilutional conditions is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration administered. Risk of solute overload and resultant congestive conditions with peripheral and/or pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentration administered.
Concentrated dextrose solutions (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 70%) contain aluminum; may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired, including in premature neonates. If such patients receive parenteral aluminum in amounts >4–5 mcg/kg daily, aluminum may accumulate at levels associated with CNS and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
Infusion site and other reactions (e.g., fever, infection at the injection site, venous thrombosis, hypervolemia, extravasation, phlebitis extending from injection site) possible. May occur because of the solution (e.g., contamination) or administration technique.
Hypertonic dextrose injections may cause local pain or venous irritation or damage. (See IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.) If adverse effects occur, discontinue infusion; evaluate patient and institute appropriate therapeutic measures; save remainder of fluid for examination, if necessary.
Possible hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia after prolonged use of concentrated dextrose solutions.
As patient’s condition warrants and during prolonged therapy, evaluate changes in fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance, both clinically and via laboratory determinations. Correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances and provide essential vitamins and minerals, if necessary.
Patients with substantial electrolyte losses (e.g., resulting from protracted nasogastric suctioning, vomiting, diarrhea, or GI fistula drainage) may require additional electrolyte supplementation.
When dextrose is used in fixed combination with sodium chloride or alcohol, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with sodium chloride and alcohol.
Use with caution in patients with known subclinical or overt diabetes mellitus.
Use with caution in infants of diabetic mothers except when indicated in hypoglycemic neonates.
Category C.
Not known whether dextrose is excreted into milk. Use with caution in nursing women.
Risk of glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia in pediatric patients, especially in low-birthweight infants and neonates. Use solutions containing ≥10% dextrose with caution in low-birthweight premature neonates; monitor glucose levels frequently.
Risk of increased serum osmolality and possible intracerebral hemorrhage with excessive or rapid administration in low-birthweight infants.
Concentrated dextrose solutions contain aluminum, which may be toxic in premature neonates and in individuals with impaired kidney function. Premature neonates are at particular risk because of immature kidneys and because they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum. (See Aluminum Content under Cautions.)
Safety and efficacy of dextrose and alcohol injection and dextrose and sodium chloride injection not established.
Dextrose gel not recommended for children <2 years of age.
Fever, injection site infection, extravasation.
| Drug | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Digoxin | Electrolyte disturbances (i.e., hypokalemia) produced by large doses of dextrose may predispose digitalized patients to toxicity (see Electrolyte Disturbances under Cautions) | Additional potassium may be required in fasting patients with normal renal function |
Following oral administration, rapidly absorbed from the small intestine.
Following oral tablet administration, blood glucose concentration increases usually occur within 10–20 minutes.
Following oral tablet administration of a 20-g dose of dextrose in hypoglycemic patients, mean blood glucose concentration increased by 32 mg/dL 20 minutes after administration.
Following oral administration, blood glucose concentrations peak at about 40 minutes.
Following oral tablet administration, a 15-g dose provides an approximate 30-mg/dL increase in blood glucose concentration.
Not known whether dextrose is distributed into human milk.
Readily metabolized to carbon dioxide and water.
Dextrose (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 70%): 20–25°C (may be exposed to 40°C); avoid excessive heat and protect from freezing.
Dextrose and sodium chloride: 25°C (may be exposed to 40°C); avoid excessive heat and protect from freezing.
Dextrose and alcohol: 25°C (may be exposed to 40°C); avoid excessive heat and protect from freezing.
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
| Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | Gel | 40% (w/w) | Glutose® | Paddock |
Insta-Glucose® | Valeant | |||
| Tablets, chewable | 5 g* | BD® Glucose® | Becton Dickinson | |
| Parenteral | Injection | 2.5%* | 2.5% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Hospira |
| 5%* | 5% Dextrose Injection | Braun, Hospira, IMS | ||
| 10%* | 10% Dextrose Injection | Abraxis, Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 20%* | 20% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 25%* | 25% Dextrose Injection | Hospira | ||
| 30%* | 30% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 38%* | 38% Dextrose Injection | Braun | ||
| 40%* | 40% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 50%* | 50% Dextrose Injection | Abraxis, Astra, Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 60%* | 60% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 70%* | 70% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| * available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name |
Dextrose is also commercially available in combination with amino acids, dextran or hetastarch, electrolytes and potassium chloride for IV administration.
| Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parenteral | Injection | 5% Alcohol in 5% Dextrose* | 5% Alcohol and 5% Dextrose Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira |
| 10% Alcohol and 5% Dextrose* | 10% Alcohol and 5% Dextrose Injection | Braun | ||
| * available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name |
| Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parenteral | Injection | 2.5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride* | 2.5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira |
| 3.3% Dextrose and 0.30% Sodium Chloride | 3.3% Dextrose and 0.30% Sodium Chloride Injection | Braun | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.11% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.11% Sodium Chloride Injection | Braun | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection | Baxter, Braun | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.225% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.225% Sodium Chloride Injection | Hospira | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.3% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.3% Sodium Chloride Injection | Hospira | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium Chloride Injection | Baxter, Braun | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride* | 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| 10% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride* | 10% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection | Braun | ||
| 10% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride* | 10% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection | Braun | ||
| 10% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride* | 10% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection | Baxter, Braun, Hospira | ||
| * available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name |
Dextrose and sodium chloride are also commercially available in combination with electrolytes and potassium chloride (see Potassium Supplements 40:12) for IV administration.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2009, Selected Revisions August 2008. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.



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