Dextrose 30% Inj, 500ml
It is used to treat low blood sugar. Some products are used to add fluid to the body after fluid loss, to mix with certain drugs that are given as an injection, or to add calories to a TPN.
Drug Class
Fluid, electrolyte, and nutrient replenisher; carbohydrate
Pharmacologic Class
Carbohydrate; Caloric Agent
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Dextrose 30% Injection is a sterile sugar (glucose) solution given directly into a vein. It provides energy and helps to raise low blood sugar levels. It's often used when someone can't eat or needs extra calories, or to treat very low blood sugar.
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and carefully read all the information provided. Administer the medication as directed, which typically involves intravenous infusion over a specified period.
For proper storage and disposal, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need to keep the medication at home, as they can provide guidance on the correct storage procedures.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to determine the best course of action and receive further instructions.
For proper storage and disposal, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need to keep the medication at home, as they can provide guidance on the correct storage procedures.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to determine the best course of action and receive further instructions.
Lifestyle & Tips
- This medication is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
- Report any discomfort, pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site immediately.
- Report any symptoms such as increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 1000ml
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 250ml
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 100ml
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 50ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.2% Inj, 1000ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.45% Inj, 1000ml
- D5w/nacl 0.9% Inj, 1000ml
- Dextrose 50% Injection Ftv 25x50ml
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 70% Inj, 2000ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.45% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 50% Inj, 50ml
- Dextrose 10% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 10% Inj, 250ml
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 25ml
- Dextrose 5% Pgbk Inj, 100ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.3% Inj, 1000ml
- Dextrose 5% Inj, 150ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.45% Inj, 250ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.3% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 30% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 20% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 70% Inj, 500ml
- Dextrose 10% Inj, 1000ml
- Dextrose 5%/nacl 0.3% Inj, 250ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Highly variable based on indication, patient's metabolic needs, and concomitant therapy. For severe hypoglycemia, typically 10-25g of dextrose (e.g., 33-83ml of Dextrose 30%) IV push, followed by continuous infusion if needed. For caloric supplementation (e.g., TPN), infusion rates are individualized to provide required calories and avoid hyperglycemia.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
severe_hypoglycemia:
10-25g IV (e.g., 33-83ml of Dextrose 30%) as a bolus, may be followed by continuous infusion.
caloric_supplementation_TPN:
Individualized based on caloric needs, typically 4-7 mg/kg/min, adjusted to maintain blood glucose within target range.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Highly individualized, typically 2.5-5 ml/kg of Dextrose 10% (or equivalent dextrose content from higher concentrations) IV bolus for hypoglycemia, followed by continuous infusion (e.g., 4-8 mg/kg/min). Dextrose 30% is generally diluted or used in specific TPN formulations.
Infant:
Highly individualized, typically 2.5-5 ml/kg of Dextrose 10% (or equivalent dextrose content) IV bolus for hypoglycemia, followed by continuous infusion (e.g., 4-8 mg/kg/min).
Child:
Highly individualized, typically 0.5-1 g/kg (e.g., 1.6-3.3 ml/kg of Dextrose 30%) IV bolus for hypoglycemia, max 25g, followed by continuous infusion if needed. For TPN, individualized.
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing for hypoglycemia (10-25g IV bolus) and TPN, adjusted for weight and metabolic needs.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific dose adjustment for dextrose itself, but monitor fluid and electrolyte balance closely.
Moderate:
No specific dose adjustment for dextrose itself, but monitor fluid and electrolyte balance closely; adjust infusion rate to avoid fluid overload.
Severe:
No specific dose adjustment for dextrose itself, but monitor fluid and electrolyte balance closely; adjust infusion rate to avoid fluid overload and hyperglycemia.
Dialysis:
Administer with caution; monitor blood glucose and fluid balance closely. Dextrose is dialyzable, but its primary role is metabolic. May require adjustment of total caloric intake.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific dose adjustment.
Moderate:
No specific dose adjustment, but monitor blood glucose closely as hepatic glucose metabolism may be impaired.
Severe:
No specific dose adjustment, but monitor blood glucose closely as hepatic glucose metabolism may be significantly impaired; adjust infusion rate to avoid hyperglycemia.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Dextrose is a monosaccharide (glucose) that provides a readily available source of calories and increases blood glucose levels. It is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy. It also helps to minimize protein catabolism and prevent ketosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
100%
Tmax:
Rapid (minutes) following IV administration
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (IV administration)
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.6 L/kg (distributes throughout total body water)
ProteinBinding:
None
CnssPenetration:
Yes
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (metabolized, not eliminated as intact drug); blood glucose half-life is minutes.
Clearance:
Metabolic clearance, highly variable based on patient's metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity.
ExcretionRoute:
Carbon dioxide (respiratory) and water (renal).
Unchanged:
0%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (within minutes) for blood glucose elevation
PeakEffect:
Within minutes following bolus administration
DurationOfAction:
Variable, depends on dose, infusion rate, and patient's metabolic state; typically short-lived after bolus, continuous with infusion.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe dizziness or fainting
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or changes in urine production
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Blue or gray discoloration of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
* Pain and irritation at the injection site
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe dizziness or fainting
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or changes in urine production
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Blue or gray discoloration of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
* Pain and irritation at the injection site
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Excessive thirst or urination (signs of high blood sugar)
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands (signs of fluid overload)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Confusion or dizziness
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bleeding in the brain or spine
+ Severe dehydration
+ Severe liver problems
+ Difficulty urinating
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems and medications with your doctor.
To ensure your safety, please disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* All your health problems
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe for you to do so.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bleeding in the brain or spine
+ Severe dehydration
+ Severe liver problems
+ Difficulty urinating
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems and medications with your doctor.
To ensure your safety, please disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* All your health problems
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe for you to do so.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood tests will be necessary, as directed by your doctor, to monitor your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.
This medication may contain aluminum, which can increase the risk of aluminum toxicity with long-term use. This risk is particularly higher if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
In some cases, this medication may be mixed with parenteral nutrition (PN). However, PN has been associated with serious complications, including blood clots in the lungs, infections, high blood sugar, and liver problems. In rare instances, these complications can be fatal. If you have any questions or concerns about this, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
When used in newborns, this medication requires careful consideration. Your doctor will need to weigh the potential benefits and risks, so be sure to discuss any concerns with them.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is essential to inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
This medication may contain aluminum, which can increase the risk of aluminum toxicity with long-term use. This risk is particularly higher if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
In some cases, this medication may be mixed with parenteral nutrition (PN). However, PN has been associated with serious complications, including blood clots in the lungs, infections, high blood sugar, and liver problems. In rare instances, these complications can be fatal. If you have any questions or concerns about this, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
When used in newborns, this medication requires careful consideration. Your doctor will need to weigh the potential benefits and risks, so be sure to discuss any concerns with them.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is essential to inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe hyperglycemia (very high blood sugar)
- Osmotic diuresis (excessive urination leading to dehydration)
- Fluid overload (edema, pulmonary edema, heart failure)
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia)
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) in susceptible individuals
What to Do:
Discontinue infusion, administer insulin as needed to lower blood glucose, correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances, provide supportive care. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Insulin (pharmacodynamic antagonism if not managed appropriately; Dextrose is used to counteract insulin-induced hypoglycemia)
Moderate Interactions
- Corticosteroids (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher dextrose doses or insulin)
- Diuretics (especially loop diuretics, may alter fluid and electrolyte balance, requiring careful monitoring when co-administering dextrose solutions)
- Oral Hypoglycemics (pharmacodynamic antagonism if not managed appropriately)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Blood Glucose
Rationale: To establish baseline glycemic status and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Serum Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, HCO3, Mg, Phos)
Rationale: To assess baseline electrolyte balance, as dextrose administration can affect these.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Fluid Status (intake/output, vital signs, physical exam)
Rationale: To assess hydration status and prevent fluid overload or dehydration.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Blood Glucose
Frequency: Every 1-6 hours initially, then every 4-24 hours once stable, or as clinically indicated.
Target: Typically 70-180 mg/dL (individualized based on patient condition).
Action Threshold: Below 70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) or above 180-200 mg/dL (hyperglycemia).
Serum Electrolytes
Frequency: Daily or every other day, then less frequently once stable.
Target: Within normal physiological limits.
Action Threshold: Significant deviations from normal range (e.g., hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia).
Fluid Balance (intake/output, daily weights)
Frequency: Daily.
Target: Appropriate fluid balance for patient's condition.
Action Threshold: Significant positive or negative fluid balance, rapid weight changes.
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Target: Within normal limits or stable for patient.
Action Threshold: Significant worsening of renal function.
Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Alk Phos, Bilirubin)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged high-dose infusions (e.g., TPN).
Target: Within normal limits or stable for patient.
Action Threshold: Significant elevation indicating hepatic dysfunction.
Infusion Site
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., every 4-8 hours).
Target: No signs of redness, swelling, pain, or extravasation.
Action Threshold: Signs of phlebitis, infiltration, or infection.
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of hyperglycemia (polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea, headache)
- Signs of fluid overload (edema, dyspnea, crackles, elevated blood pressure)
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance (muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, altered mental status)
- Signs of infusion site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, warmth, streaking)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Dextrose is a natural carbohydrate and is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clinically indicated for caloric support or treatment of hypoglycemia. However, as with any intravenous fluid, careful monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance is essential to avoid complications.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No known teratogenic effects.
Second Trimester:
No known adverse effects.
Third Trimester:
No known adverse effects, but careful monitoring of maternal fluid status is important to prevent fluid overload.
Lactation
Dextrose is a natural component of breast milk and is considered compatible with breastfeeding. It is not expected to cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant.
Infant Risk:
Low risk (L1)
Pediatric Use
Use with extreme caution, especially in neonates and infants, due to increased risk of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia (if infusion is abruptly stopped), and fluid/electrolyte imbalances. Close monitoring of blood glucose, fluid balance, and electrolytes is critical. Dosing is weight-based and often requires lower concentrations or slower infusion rates.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution due to increased risk of fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and impaired glucose tolerance. Close monitoring of fluid status, blood glucose, and electrolytes is essential. Start with lower infusion rates and titrate carefully.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dextrose 30% is a hypertonic solution (osmolarity ~1500 mOsm/L). It should ideally be administered via a central venous catheter to minimize the risk of phlebitis, venous irritation, and extravasation.
- Peripheral administration of hypertonic dextrose solutions (typically >10-12.5%) should be avoided or used with extreme caution and for short durations only, due to high risk of local complications.
- Rapid infusion of hypertonic dextrose can lead to osmotic diuresis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
- Close monitoring of blood glucose is paramount to prevent hyperglycemia and its complications (e.g., osmotic diuresis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state). Insulin may be required to maintain euglycemia.
- Monitor for signs of fluid overload, especially in patients with cardiac or renal impairment.
- Dextrose solutions do not contain electrolytes; if used for prolonged periods or in large volumes, electrolyte supplementation may be necessary.
Alternative Therapies
- Oral carbohydrates (for conscious patients with mild-moderate hypoglycemia)
- Glucagon (for severe hypoglycemia when IV access is not available or delayed)
- Lipid emulsions (for caloric supplementation in TPN)
- Amino acid solutions (for protein supplementation in TPN)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 500ml bag
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed otherwise, do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time of the incident.