What is Dextrose?
Dextrose, a simple sugar derived from starch, is made. Starch is a naturally occurring complex carbohydrate that can be found in many plants, including corn, rice, wheat, and potatoes. Dextrose comes primarily from corn starch. When used as a medicine, dextrose is administered either orally or by injection. Dextrose can also be called D-glucose. Dextrose can be used to treat very low blood sugar, most commonly in people with type 2 diabetes. Dextrose can be injected to treat insulin shock. This is low blood sugar that occurs when you use insulin and then don't eat a meal afterward or eat enough food. Dextrose increases the level of glucose in your body quickly. Foods high in carbohydrates, such as cereals, bread, fruit, rice, pasta, and potatoes, contain glucose. All cells and organs need glucose for proper function. It is also used as a source of carbohydrate calories for a person who can't eat due to illness, trauma, or another medical condition. Sometimes it is given to people who have become sick after drinking too much. Hyperkalemia can also be treated with dextrose.
Warnings
Dextrose can cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to corn. Consult your doctor before using Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and allergies. Also inform them which medicines you're currently taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to any of these ingredients or to corn products, then do not take Dextrose tablets, liquids, or gels.
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving this medication if you've ever:
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Diabetes (except if you use dextrose as a treatment for insulin-induced hypoglycemia);
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Heart disease, coronary artery disease, or stroke
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Asthma;
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Kidney disease
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A possible head injury;
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Alcoholism;
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Allergies to food
Consult your doctor before using dextrose while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Similar/related drugs
acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid, multivitamin, biotin, and zinc
How to take Dextrose?
Dextrose should be used exactly as instructed on the label or by your doctor. Use this medicine only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or extend its use beyond what is necessary. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it. To get the full dose, you should swallow the entire tube if the dextrose gel is pre-measured. You should notice a reduction in hypoglycemia within 10 minutes of taking Dextrose orally. Take another dose if necessary. If you continue to experience hypoglycemia after two doses, seek medical attention. The dextrose injection is administered through an IV. This medicine should not be injected into the muscle or beneath the skin. This injection should only be administered intravenously (IV). It should also be administered slowly. If you experience any pain or swelling when a Dextrose injection is performed, tell your caregiver.
Discard needles, IV tubing and any other items used. Only use disposable or prefilled syringes once, along with needles. Speak to your pharmacist about disposing of sharps in puncture-proof containers that should remain out of reach of pets and children. If symptoms don't improve or worsen as anticipated call your physician immediately - remembering each time to check its date of expiration; Dextrose could no longer work effectively after prolonged storage so keep away from direct heat or moisture at room temperature and keep tightly close the container when not being used - to maintain effective results!
What happens if I miss the dose?
Dextrose does not require a daily dosage schedule because it is only used as needed. If your symptoms don't improve after taking dextrose, call your doctor immediately.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Dextrose
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Dextrose, seek immediate medical attention: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat; or hives.
If you experience:
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Redness, swelling, heat, or changes in the skin where an injection has been given;
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Confusion;
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A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
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Fever;
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Swelling in the hands or feet
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Chest pain, sweating, pallid skin, and severe shortness of breath
Some of the most common side effects from a Dextrose injection include:
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Pain or tenderness at the injection site;
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After a Dextrose infusion, you may experience flushing (warmth or redness) for a few minutes.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse events.
Interaction with other drug
Dextrose may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies.Informing your physician of all medications you are currently taking and any that are introduced or discontinued should help provide him/her an overview.
