Dextrose

Uses of Dextrose

Dextrose is a simple sugar made from starch. Starch is a naturally occurring complex carbohydrate found in many plants, including corn, wheat, rice, and potato. The most common source of dextrose is corn starch.

Dextrose, when used as a medication, is given either by mouth (orally) or by injection. Dextrose is also known as D-glucose.

Dextrose is used to treat very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), most often in people with diabetes mellitus. Dextrose is given by injection to treat insulin shock (low blood sugar caused by using insulin and then not eating a meal or eating enough food afterward). Dextrose works by quickly increasing the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose is found in foods rich in carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, potatoes, fruit, pasta, and rice. Glucose is a source of energy, and all the cells and organs in your body need glucose to function properly.

Dextrose is also used to provide carbohydrate calories to a person who cannot eat because of illness, trauma, or other medical condition. It is sometimes given to people who are sick from drinking too much alcohol.

Precautions and Warnings

If you have an allergy to corn, you could have an allergic reaction to dextrose. Talk to your doctor before using it.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not take Dextrose tablets, liquid, or gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in these forms of the medicine, or are allergic to corn products.

If possible before you receive this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes (unless you are using dextrose to treat insulin-induced hypoglycemia);
• heart disease, coronary artery disease, or a stroke;
• asthma;
• kidney disease;
• a possible head injury;
• alcoholism; or
• any food allergies.

Dosage

The dose is dependent upon the age, weight and clinical condition of the patient.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• pain or tenderness where an injection was given; or
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) for several minutes after a Dextrose injection.

Serious side effect:

• redness, swelling, warmth, or skin changes where an injection was given;
• confusion;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• fever;
• swelling in your hands or feet; or
• sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, chest pain.