Dextrose
About
Dextrose belongs to a class of drugs called glucose-elevating agents used for fluid replacement and dehydration. Also, Dextrose may be used to treat severe hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar) in diabetic patients. It is indicated as a source of water and calories. A sufficient amount of fluids, electrolytes and minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
Dextrose contains Dextrose, a simple sugar that helps in replacing the fluids and carbohydrates in the body. Thereby, it helps in treating and preventing dehydration. Also, Dextrose works by quickly increasing blood sugar levels and helps to treat very low blood sugar in diabetic patients.
Dextrose will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience tenderness or pain at the injection site and flushing (redness, warmth or tingling sensation). Most of these side effects of Dextrose do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Dextrose or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have diabetes, inform your doctor before taking Dextrose. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before taking Dextrose. Dextrose should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicines, including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products.
Uses of Dextrose
Medicinal Benefits
Dextrose contains Dextrose, a simple sugar that helps in replacing the fluids and carbohydrates in the body. Thereby, it helps in treating and preventing dehydration. Also, Dextrose works by quickly increasing blood sugar levels and helps to treat very low blood sugar in diabetic patients. Dextrose is used when a patient is unable to drink enough liquids or when extra fluids are needed.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dextrose
- Tenderness or pain at the injection site
- Flushing (redness, warmth or tingling sensation)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Dextrose or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have diabetes, inform your doctor before taking Dextrose. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before taking Dextrose. Dextrose should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicines, including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you ever had asthma, kidney or heart disease, head injury, stroke, diabetes or coronary artery disease, inform your doctor before taking Dextrose.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Dextrose is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Dextrose.
Pregnancy
cautionDextrose is a category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Dextrose is given to a breastfeeding mother only if doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are alert after taking Dextrose.
Liver
cautionTake Dextrose with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Dextrose with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionDextrose is given to children only if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
- If you are unable to drink large volumes of fluids, try drinking small sips frequently.
- Consume foods rich in water content such as watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, oranges, Brussel sprouts, apples, etc.
Special Advise
It is not recommended to administer Dextrose simultaneously with blood products as it might cause hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells) or pseudo agglutination (misleading appearance of clumping of red blood cells).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dehydration: Dehydration is the loss of body fluids more than what you take in. It could occur due to inadequate fluid intake, illness, sweating, excess urination, diarrhoea, or vomiting. A sufficient amount of fluids, electrolytes and minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
Severe hypoglycaemia: It is defined as low blood glucose levels which require assistance from other people to treat. It is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention and occurs in diabetic people taking insulin and other anti-diabetic medicines. The symptoms include loss of consciousness, fits, confusion or intense nightmares while asleep. The risk of severe hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients increases if the regular meal is delayed or missed, insulin overdose, alcohol intake or exercise is done without proper reduction in medication.
FAQs
Dextrose contains Dextrose, a simple sugar that works by replacing the fluids and carbohydrates in the body. Thereby, it helps in treating and preventing dehydration. Also, Dextrose quickly increases blood sugar levels and helps to treat very low blood sugar in diabetic patients.
Dextrose should be used with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of adverse reactions, especially in patients with impaired kidney function.
Dextrose may be used to treat severe hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar). Dextrose quickly increases blood sugar levels and helps to treat very low blood sugar in diabetic patients.
You are recommended to consult your doctor before taking Dextrose with other medicines. Also, inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products.