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Dextrose
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Indications Dextrose
It is indicated for the treatment of hypoglycemia and toxic infection, as well as carbohydrate nutrition deficiency, hemorrhagic diathesis and poisoning due to liver pathologies (such as atrophic or dystrophic liver damage (also liver failure) and hepatitis). In addition, it is also used to treat dehydration (with diarrhea, vomiting or in the period after surgery), shock with collapse and poisoning.
It is used as an additional element in various anti-shock or blood-substituting fluids – to produce medical solutions for intravenous administration.
Pharmacodynamics
The medicine is a participant in various metabolic processes, and in addition, it improves the liver's antitoxic activity and enhances the oxidation-reduction processes occurring inside the body. Due to the introduction of the medicinal solution, some replenishment of the body's water deficiency occurs. Dextrose entering the tissues undergoes the process of phosphorylation and is then converted into Robinson's ether (it becomes an active participant in many metabolic links).
Isotonic 5% dextrose solution has metabolic action and detoxifying properties. It is a source of a nutrient element that is quickly and easily absorbed by the body. After the metabolism of the substance inside the tissues, a large percentage of energy required for healthy life activity is released.
Glucose in a hypertonic 10% solution quickly increases the level of osmotic blood pressure and improves metabolic processes. In addition, it also increases myocardial contractility, has a positive effect on the liver's antitoxic activity, increases diuresis and has a vasodilating effect.
Dosing and administration
The solution (5%) is administered intravenously by drip (this is done at the maximum permissible rate - no more than 7 ml (or 150 drops) / minute (or 400 ml / hour)). An adult is allowed to administer no more than 2000 ml per day. The solution (10%) is administered at the maximum rate - no more than 3 ml (or 60 drops / minute). An adult can administer no more than 1000 ml per day. By jet intravenously - 10-50 ml of solution (10%).
In case of use during parenteral nutrition procedures in adults (with normal metabolism), the amount of dextrose administered per day cannot exceed 4-6 g/kg (approximately 250-450 g per day). If the intensity of metabolism decreases, the daily dosage should be reduced to 200-300 g. It should be taken into account that the daily volume of fluid administered to the body is 30-40 ml/kg. If the patient has normal metabolism, the maximum rate at which the drug is administered to an adult patient is 0.25-0.5 g/kg/h. If the intensity of metabolism is reduced, the rate is reduced to 0.125-0.25 g/kg/h.
For children with parenteral nutrition, along with amino acids, and in addition fats, dextrose is added in a daily dosage of 6 g / kg (on the 1st day), and then - no more than 15 g / kg. When calculating the dosage of dextrose during the introduction of solutions (both 5 and 10%), the maximum permissible daily volume of liquid introduced into the body should be taken into account:
- for children weighing 2-10 kg – 100-165 ml/kg;
- for children weighing 10-40 kg – 45-100 ml/kg.
The rate of administration in such cases cannot be higher than 0.75 g/kg/h.
To ensure more complete absorption of the drug, which is administered in high doses, in addition to it, insulin is prescribed at the same time (ratio: 1 U/4-5 g). Patients with diabetes mellitus are required to use dextrose, monitoring its level in urine and blood.
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Use Dextrose during pregnancy
The use of the solution during breastfeeding or pregnancy is permitted only with the doctor’s prescription.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications of the drug:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- hyperglycemia, hyperhydria or hyperlactacidemia;
- disturbances in the glucose utilization process that occur during the postoperative period;
- edema in the lungs or brain;
- acute form of left ventricular failure;
- non-ketotic coma.
The drug is prescribed with caution if the patient has diabetes mellitus, and in addition to this, decompensated heart failure or chronic renal failure (oligo- or anuria), and in addition, hyponatremia.
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Side effects Dextrose
The following side effects may occur as a result of using the medicine:
- disruption of the balance of water and electrolytes in the body;
- development of fever, and in addition hyperglycemia or plethora;
- acute form of left ventricular failure.
Local manifestations include the development of thrombophlebitis or an infectious process.
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Overdose
Manifestations of drug overdose: development of hyperglycemia or glycosuria, as well as disturbance of the balance of electrolytes and water in the body.
To eliminate the disorders, the use of the solution should be discontinued and the patient should be given insulin. Treatment aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disorders is also required.
Storage conditions
The solution should be kept in a place protected from sunlight and moisture, and inaccessible to children. Temperature – within 5-20°C.
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Shelf life
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Dextrose" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.