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Injectable dextrose
Dextrose injection is a sterile solution used to provide your body with extra water and carbohydrates (calories from sugar). It is used when a patient is not able to drink enough liquids or when additional fluids are needed.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
50% Dextrose Injection is indicated in the treatment of insulin hypoglycemia (hyperinsulinemia or insulin shock) to restore blood glucose levels.
Dextrose is a simple sugar made from corn or wheat that’s chemically identical to glucose, or blood sugar. It’s often used as a sweetener in baking products and is found in processed foods and corn syrup.Dextrose also has medical purposes. It is dissolved in solutions that are given intravenously, which can be combined with other drugs, or used to increase a person’s blood sugar.
Because dextrose is a “simple” sugar, the body can quickly use it for energy.
Simple sugars can raise blood sugar levels very quickly, and they often lack nutritional value. Examples of other simple sugars include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Products that are typically made of simple sugars include refined sugar, white pasta, and honey.
What are common dextrose preparations?
Dextrose is used to make several intravenous (IV) preparations or mixtures, which are available only at a hospital or medical facility.
Dextrose is also available as an oral gel or in oral tablet form over the counter from pharmacies.
Each dextrose concentration has its own unique uses. Higher concentrations are typically used as “rescue” doses when someone has a very low blood sugar reading.