Home Drug Guide Dextrose

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Dextrose

Brand Names Dextrose 5% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 10% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 50% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 40% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 30% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 20% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 60% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 70% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 60%, Dextrose 2.5% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 38.5% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 50%, Dextrose 25%, Dextrose 7.7% in Plastic Container, Dextrose 5

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional supplement

Pharmacological: Carbohydrate (monosaccharide)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Parenteral nutrition support
  • Fluid replacement

Mechanism of Action

Dextrose provides glucose, which is utilized by cells for energy production via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, supporting cellular function and energy metabolism.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administer as per medical order based on patient needs and glucose levels; typically 5-25 grams of dextrose with IV infusion, titrated to patient response.

Pediatric: Dosing based on weight and clinical condition; common initial doses are 0.5-1 g/kg of dextrose 5% or 10%.

Geriatric: Adjust dose and infusion rate carefully considering comorbidities and fluid status.

Renal Impairment: Use cautiously; adjust by monitoring blood glucose and osmolarity.

Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously; monitor for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly when administered IV, directly into bloodstream.

Distribution: Distributed quickly throughout body water compartments.

Metabolism: Metabolized primarily in the liver via glycolysis and stored as glycogen.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 20-30 minutes, varying with infusion rate and metabolic rate.

Contraindications

  • Hyperglycemia
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Known hypersensitivity to dextrose

Precautions

  • Monitor blood glucose levels during infusion, especially in diabetics.
  • Use with caution in patients with heart failure or renal impairment.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Hyperglycemia (Rare with appropriate monitoring)
  • Fluid overload (e.g., pulmonary edema) (Rare, with rapid infusion)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (Very rare)
  • Serious allergic reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Insulin and other hypoglycemic agents (dextrose may alter their requirements)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood glucose, serum electrolytes, fluid status, and signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for unstable blood glucose levels
  • Fluid volume imbalance

Implementation: Infuse via appropriate IV line, monitor infusion rate and site, and check blood glucose regularly.

Evaluation: Maintain blood glucose within target range, monitor for signs of fluid overload or dehydration.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report symptoms of hyperglycemia (excessive thirst, frequent urination) or hypoglycemia (shaking, sweating).
  • Maintain hydration and inform healthcare provider of any adverse effects.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None specific to dextrose.

Lab Test Interference: May affect blood glucose measurements.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Hyperglycemia, fluid overload, pulmonary edema.

Treatment: Discontinue infusion, provide supportive care, administer insulin if needed, and manage fluid status.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protect from light.

Stability: Stable until expiration date on container.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.