Glucose Oral Gel Flashcards
What is the presentation?
15g glucose gel in tube
How does it work?
Rapidly absorbed from oral/buccal mucosa to increase blood glucose concentration.
What is the onset and duration?
Onset: 2-5 minutes
Duration: 12-25 minutes.
What are the indications?
Demonstrated hypoglycaemia in:
Altered conscious state in a known Diabetic.
Altered conscious state of unknown medical cause, where blood glucose level is below 4mmol/L.
What are the contraindications?
None
What are the precautions? (4)
1) Have patient’s airway patent and in lateral position if unconscious.
2) Always consider patient’s airway when administering gel.
3) Even if fully recovered, patients should be encouraged to be transported to a medical facility to ensure effective follow up and review.
4) Will liquefy over 30°C, however it is still useable.
What is the adult dose?
Squeeze contents of tube (or as much as practical) into lower cheek pouch over gums/cheek and externally massage cheek.
Repeat after 10 minutes if still altered consciousness or deteriorating.
What is the paediatric dose?
Administer small amounts of oral glucose gel into lower cheek pouch over gums/cheek and externally massage cheek.
Repeat after 10 minutes if still altered consciousness or deteriorating.
Do not delay transport.
What is the neonatal/infant dose?
Process for buccal administration of oral glucose gel:
Wearing a clean glove, gently dry the infant’s buccal mucosa with gauze/pad.
Place a small amount of oral glucose gel onto gloved finger and gently massage into the infants buccal mucosa.
DO NOT administer the gel directly from the tube into the infants mouth.
Use only a portion of the tube, titrate to effect.
Repeat as necessary after 10 minutes if still altered consciousness or deteriorating.
Do not delay transport.
Special considerations?
Be mindful of potential for airway obstructions
