Infusol 10 IV Infusion

Indications

Dextrose Anhydrous is a pure form of glucose, the main sugar the body uses for energy. It is used:

• By mouth (oral powder) as a quick source of energy, for example during recovery from illness, after heavy physical work, or in hot weather.
• By mouth to correct low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in a person who is awake and able to swallow.
• As an intravenous (IV) drip in hospital to give fluid and calories, to treat low blood sugar, and to carry other medicines into a vein.

How It Works

Glucose is absorbed quickly from the gut or goes straight into the blood from a drip. Cells use it for energy, and it raises a low blood sugar within minutes. Dextrose drips also give the body water.

Dosage and Administration

• Oral powder, adults: as directed on the pack, usually 1 to 2 heaped spoonfuls mixed in a glass of water, up to a few times a day.
• Low blood sugar, adults who can swallow: about 15 to 20 g of glucose by mouth, then recheck blood sugar after 15 minutes and repeat if still low. Follow with a snack or meal.
• IV infusion (5%, 10%, 25% and other strengths): given by a doctor or nurse. The strength, amount and speed depend on the person's condition.
• Children: oral use as directed on the pack or by a doctor; IV use only as prescribed.

Never give anything by mouth to a person who is unconscious or cannot swallow safely; they need emergency care.

Interactions

Glucose raises blood sugar, so people taking Insulin or diabetes tablets such as Metformin or Gliclazide should use it only to treat a low blood sugar or as their doctor advises. Steroids such as Prednisolone and some diuretics can raise blood sugar further. In hospital, IV dextrose is not given through the same line as blood transfusions.

Contraindications

• Oral use as a routine drink in people with uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar.
• IV use: high blood sugar not under control, severe dehydration where salt is also lost (unless given with salt fluids), fluid overload, and some types of head injury or bleeding in the brain, as decided by the doctor.
• Known allergy to corn products, in rare cases.

Side Effects

By mouth it is usually well tolerated. Large amounts can cause nausea, bloating or loose stools, and raise blood sugar. It can also add to tooth decay if taken often.

With an IV drip: pain or swelling at the drip site, high blood sugar, too much fluid in the body, and low salt or potassium levels in the blood.

Get urgent medical help for very high blood sugar signs (extreme thirst, passing a lot of urine, confusion), swelling of the legs or face with breathlessness during a drip, confusion, fits, or signs of a serious allergy such as swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Glucose is a normal food sugar and can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women with diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) should take it only to treat a low blood sugar or as their doctor advises.

Precautions and Warnings

• People with diabetes should check blood sugar and not use it as a daily energy drink.
• Use with care in kidney disease, heart failure and in older people if given by drip, because of the risk of fluid overload.
• It does not replace oral rehydration salts for diarrhoea, which also replace lost salts.
• Keep powder in a closed container so it does not absorb moisture.

Overdose

Too much glucose can cause very high blood sugar, passing a lot of urine, dehydration and, with a drip, fluid overload and salt imbalance. Get urgent medical help, especially for people with diabetes.

Therapeutic Class

Carbohydrate (energy source); intravenous fluid and nutrient.

Storage

Store powder below 30°C in a dry place, with the lid tightly closed, away from light. IV fluids are stored below 30°C and must not be used if the bag or bottle is leaking or the fluid is cloudy. Keep out of reach of children.