Dextrose

Question 1

Dextrose- Name

Answer 1

D50

Question 2

Dextrose- Class

Answer 2

Carbohydrate

Question 3

Dextrose- MoA

Answer 3

Provides immediate source of glucose for cellular metabolism

Question 4

Dextrose- Indication

Answer 4

ALOC due to documented or suspected hypoglycemia

Question 5

Dextrose- Contra

Answer 5

No absolute contraindications

Relative contraindication: Use with caution in patients with increasing intracranial pressure as the added glucose may worsen the cerebral edema.

Question 6

Dextrose- S/E

Answer 6

Patients may complain of warmth, pain or burning at the injection site.

Dextrose can cause severe neurologic symptoms (Wernicke’s encephalopathy or Korsakoff’s psychosis) if patient is thiamine deficient.

Question 7

Dextrose- Routes

Answer 7

IV, IO

Question 8

Dextrose- A. Dose

Answer 8

25 gm (50 ml solution preload) IVP/IO

May repeat once in 5 minutes

Question 9

Dextrose- P. Dose

Answer 9

Birth – 1 month: 5-10 ml/kg (0.5-1g/kg) slow IVP of a 10% solution.

May repeat once in 10 minutes.

1 month+-2 years: 2 ml/kg (0.5-1g/kg) slow IVP/IO of a 25% solution

May repeat once in 5 minutes

Over 2 years: 1 ml/kg (0.5-1g/kg) slow IVP/IO of a 50% solution (same solution as for the adult) May repeat once in 5 minutes

Question 10

Dextrose- Extras

Answer 10

Precautions: Aspirate prior to administration and after every 10-15 ml to ensure IV patency (medication will cause necrosis)

Cannulate largest vein possible and run IV wide open prior to and after administration

Onset will be 30-60 seconds but duration depends upon degree and cause of hypoglycemia

Do not exceed a 12.5% concentration in neonates.