Indications
Anhydrous glucose is a simple sugar (dextrose without water). It is a key ingredient of oral rehydration salts (ORS), used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, cholera, heavy sweating or heat. On its own it is used as a quick source of energy and to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in a person who is awake and able to swallow. Glucose solutions are also given into a vein in hospital.
How It Works
In ORS, glucose helps the gut absorb salt (sodium), and water follows the salt into the body. This replaces the water and salts lost in diarrhoea far better than plain water. As a sugar, glucose is absorbed quickly and raises blood sugar within minutes.
Dosage and Administration
ORS: dissolve one sachet in exactly the amount of clean drinking water stated on the pack (often 500 ml). Never use less water, and do not add sugar or salt. Give small, frequent sips.
- Children under 2 years: about 50 to 100 ml after each loose stool.
- Children 2 to 10 years: about 100 to 200 ml after each loose stool.
- Older children and adults: as much as wanted, at least 200 to 400 ml after each loose stool.
Keep breastfeeding and feeding normally. Throw away any made-up solution that is not used within 12 hours. Low blood sugar in adults: about 15 to 20 g of glucose by mouth, then check sugar again after 15 minutes and follow with a meal or snack. Glucose into a vein is given only by a doctor or nurse.
Interactions
No important interactions with medicines are known. People with diabetes should be aware that glucose and ORS raise blood sugar and should check it more often while unwell.
Contraindications
- A person who is unconscious, very drowsy or unable to swallow (needs urgent hospital care instead).
- Blockage of the bowel, or vomiting that will not stop.
- Severe dehydration or shock that needs fluids into a vein.
Side Effects
Usually none when made up correctly. Vomiting can happen if drunk too fast; wait 10 minutes and then give slowly. Get urgent medical help if there are signs of severe dehydration (very sleepy or floppy, sunken eyes, unable to drink, no urine for 6 hours or more), blood in the stool, high fever, repeated vomiting, or if diarrhoea continues for more than 2 days in a child or 3 days in an adult.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
A solution made with too little water is too salty and can be dangerous, especially for babies. People with diabetes, kidney disease or heart failure should get medical advice for ongoing diarrhoea. Glucose powder is not a substitute for ORS in diarrhoea.
Overdose
Drinking ORS made too strong can cause high blood sodium, with severe thirst, confusion, drowsiness or fits. Large amounts of glucose can cause very high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Oral rehydration therapy; carbohydrate (energy source).
Storage
Store sachets below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children. Do not use a sachet that is damaged or caked. Use made-up ORS within 12 hours.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.