Glucose 50% = Dextrose 50% injectable

Indications

Treatment of severe hypoglycaemia.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 50% hypertonic glucose solution in 50 ml vial, 500 mg/ml, for slow IV injection over 3 to 5 minutes.
• Never by IM or SC injection.

Dose and duration

• Adult: 1 ml/kg by slow IV injection.
• Check blood glucose level 15 minutes after injection. If blood glucose is still below target, administer a second dose or give oral glucose according to the patient’s clinical condition.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

The solution is viscous: use a large vein and a large calibre needle.

• May cause vein irritation.
• May cause severe tissue damage in the event of extravasation.
• 50% glucose solution is too viscous, concentrated, and irritant to be used in children.
• In children use 10% glucose solution. If ready-made 10% glucose is not available, add 10 ml of 50% glucose per 100 ml of 5% glucose to obtain a 10% solution.