Dextrose

Dextrose is a carbohydrate; glucose replacement and iv fluid calorie source medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), including oral glucose for conscious patients and IV dextrose when oral treatment is not suitable.
• Provision of carbohydrate calories as part of IV fluid therapy when prescribed.
• Diluent or vehicle for compatible injectable medicines, where appropriate.
• Management or prevention of carbohydrate depletion as directed by a healthcare professional.

Dextrose dose, concentration, route, and infusion rate depend on the patient’s blood glucose level, fluid status, age, weight, clinical condition, and the specific product. For conscious adults with mild hypoglycaemia, oral fast-acting glucose may be used according to a recognised hypoglycaemia plan, followed by checking blood glucose and eating longer-acting carbohydrate if advised. IV dextrose must be given only by trained healthcare professionals with monitoring. Follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions and the product label.

• High blood sugar, thirst, increased urination, or worsening diabetes control.
• Fluid overload, swelling, shortness of breath, or worsening heart failure in susceptible patients.
• Electrolyte disturbances such as low sodium or low potassium, especially with IV use.
• Injection-site pain, irritation, phlebitis, infection, or extravasation with IV infusion.
• Rare allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.
• Serious complications can include severe hyperglycaemia, dehydration from osmotic diuresis, or hyponatraemia-related confusion or seizures.

Use Dextrose with caution in people with diabetes, uncontrolled high blood sugar, kidney disease, heart failure, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, head injury, stroke, malnutrition, or in patients receiving large volumes of IV fluids. Blood glucose, electrolytes, fluid balance, and the IV site may need monitoring. IV dextrose should not be mixed with other medicines unless compatibility is confirmed. Use under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Insulin and other antidiabetic medicines may need adjustment because dextrose raises blood glucose.
• Corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, and some sympathomimetic medicines may increase blood glucose and reduce glycaemic control.
• Insulin given with dextrose can lower potassium; caution is needed with medicines affected by potassium changes, such as digoxin.
• Dextrose-containing IV solutions should not be infused through the same line as blood products unless the line is specifically approved, because compatibility problems may occur.
• Other IV medicines should be checked for compatibility before mixing with dextrose solutions.

• Known hypersensitivity to dextrose or, for some products, corn-derived ingredients.
• Clinically significant uncontrolled hyperglycaemia unless dextrose is specifically required and monitored by a clinician.
• Severe fluid overload or pulmonary oedema for IV infusion, unless a specialist determines it is necessary.
• Do not use an IV product if the container is leaking, damaged, cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles.

Dextrose is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when clinically indicated, such as for treatment of hypoglycaemia or as part of prescribed IV fluid therapy. However, blood glucose and fluid balance should be monitored, especially in gestational diabetes, diabetes, or serious illness. Use only as advised by a healthcare professional.

Store powder or sachets in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight, and keep out of children’s reach. Store IV infusion products as directed on the label; do not use if the seal is broken, the solution is cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles. Do not freeze unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.