Fructose
Indications
Fructose is a natural fruit sugar. It is used as an energy source and sweetener in some oral products, and in some intravenous (drip) solutions to supply fluid and calories when a person cannot eat enough by mouth.
How It Works
Fructose is absorbed and changed mainly by the liver into glucose and other substances the body uses for energy. It raises blood sugar more slowly than ordinary glucose.
Dosage and Administration
Oral products: use as directed on the label or by the doctor. Intravenous solutions are given only by a doctor or nurse; the amount and rate are as prescribed and depend on the patient's needs and blood tests.
Interactions
No important drug interactions are known at normal amounts. People taking insulin or diabetes tablets should count fructose as part of their carbohydrate intake.
Contraindications
- Hereditary fructose intolerance (an inherited condition where the body cannot handle fructose). In these people even small amounts, and especially a drip, can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver damage.
- Intravenous use: severe liver or kidney problems, high blood lactic acid (lactic acidosis), methanol poisoning, or fluid overload.
Side Effects
By mouth, larger amounts can cause bloating, wind, stomach pain or diarrhoea. With a drip, problems can include pain at the injection site, fluid overload and, if given too fast, lactic acidosis.
Get urgent medical help if you notice vomiting with sweating, shaking or confusion (possible low blood sugar), yellowing of the skin or eyes, fast breathing, or severe weakness after taking it.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Fructose as a normal part of food is safe. Use medicinal or intravenous fructose in pregnancy or breastfeeding only if advised by a doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
Before use, ask about any history of fructose intolerance in the patient or family, especially in babies and young children. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar. Large amounts over time may raise blood fats and uric acid.
Overdose
Too much by mouth mainly causes stomach upset and diarrhoea. Excess intravenous fructose can cause lactic acidosis and needs urgent hospital care.
Therapeutic Class
Carbohydrate (nutritional and energy supplement).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not use an infusion if the solution is cloudy or the container is damaged.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Fructose