Indications
5% Dextrose (glucose 5% in water) is a sterile intravenous fluid. It is used in hospital to replace water when the body is dehydrated without large salt losses, to provide a small amount of energy (calories) to patients who cannot eat or drink, to help prevent or treat low blood sugar, and as a carrier fluid for diluting and giving other intravenous medicines.
How It Works
Dextrose is a form of glucose, the body’s main sugar fuel. Once infused, the glucose is used by the cells for energy, leaving behind free water that spreads through all the body’s fluid compartments. In this way the solution rehydrates the body and supplies some calories (about 170 kilocalories per litre), but it contains no sodium or other salts.
Dosage and Administration
Given only by a doctor or nurse as an intravenous infusion through a drip. The volume and rate are decided by the doctor according to the patient’s age, weight, fluid needs, blood sugar and blood test results, and are given as prescribed.
Interactions
Some medicines are not compatible with dextrose solutions or must not be given through the same line; the hospital team checks compatibility before adding any drug. Corticosteroids and some diuretics can raise blood sugar further. Blood should not be transfused through the same line as dextrose because it can damage red cells.
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled high blood sugar or diabetic coma
- Severe fluid overload or water intoxication
- Low blood sodium (hyponatraemia), unless the doctor decides otherwise
- Known allergy to corn or corn products (rare)
- Head injury or raised pressure in the brain in the first day, where free water may worsen brain swelling
Side Effects
- Pain, redness or swelling at the drip site, or vein irritation
- High blood sugar
- Low blood sodium or potassium with large volumes, causing headache, nausea, confusion or weakness
- Fluid overload with swelling or breathlessness
Tell the nurse or doctor straight away if you develop severe headache, confusion, drowsiness, fits, breathlessness, marked swelling, or pain and swelling around the needle site.
Pregnancy and Lactation
5% Dextrose is commonly used in pregnancy, during labour and while breastfeeding when the doctor considers it necessary. Fluid and sodium levels are monitored, particularly during labour.
Precautions and Warnings
- Blood sugar, sodium and fluid balance are monitored during treatment.
- Extra care in diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, children and older people.
- Large volumes in children can cause dangerous low sodium; doctors usually prefer salt-containing fluids for maintenance.
- Use only clear solution from an intact container.
Overdose
Too much fluid can cause water overload and low sodium, with headache, nausea, confusion, fits or breathlessness, and high blood sugar. The infusion is stopped and the medical team corrects fluid and salt levels.
Therapeutic Class
Intravenous fluid, carbohydrate and fluid replacement
Storage
Hospital product: store as directed on the pack, usually below 30°C. Do not freeze. Use only if the solution is clear and the container is undamaged; discard any unused portion.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.