 Chemical structure of dextrose | |
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| Other names | dextrose solution, glucose solution |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| License data | |
| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
| ATC code | |
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| UNII | |
Intravenous sugar solution, also known asdextrose solution, is a mixture ofdextrose (glucose) andwater.[1] It is used to treatlow blood sugar or water loss withoutelectrolyte loss.[2] Water loss without electrolyte loss may occur infever,hyperthyroidism,high blood calcium, ordiabetes insipidus.[2] It is also used in the treatment ofhigh blood potassium,diabetic ketoacidosis, and as part ofparenteral nutrition.[2] It is given byinjection into a vein.[2]
Side effects may include irritation of thevein in which it is given,high blood sugar, andswelling.[2][3] Excess use may result inlow blood sodium and otherelectrolyte problems.[2] Intravenous sugar solutions are in thecrystalloid family of medications.[4] They come in a number of strengths including 5%, 10%, and 50% dextrose.[2] While they may start outhypertonic they becomehypotonic solutions as the sugar is metabolised.[5] Versions are also available mixed withsaline.[3]
Dextrose solutions for medical use became available in the 1920s and 1930s.[6][7] It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8]
Administering a 5% sugar solution peri- and postoperatively usually achieves a good balance between starvation reactions andhyperglycemia caused bysympathetic activation. A 10% solution may be more appropriate when the stress response from the reaction has decreased, after approximately one day after surgery. After more than approximately two days, a more complete regimen oftotal parenteral nutrition is indicated.
In patients withhypernatremia andeuvolemia, free water can be replaced using either 5% D/W or 0.45% saline.
In patients withfatty-acid metabolism disorder (FOD), 10% solution may be appropriate upon arrival to the emergency room.
Intravenous glucose is used in some Asian countries as a pick-me-up, for "energy", but is not part of routine medical care in the United States where glucose solution is a prescription drug.Asian immigrants to the United States are at risk of infection if they seek intravenous glucose treatment. It may be had at storefront clinics catering to Asian immigrants, despite having no more effect than drinking sugared water. The procedure is commonly called "ringer".[9]
Concentrated dextrose solutions should not be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, as they can cause cell death via dehydration and subsequentnecrosis.
Types of glucose/dextrose include:
The percentage is amass concentration, so a 5% glucose/dextrose solution contains 50 g/L of glucose/dextrose (5 g per100 ml). Thisusage is imprecise but widely used, as discussed atMass concentration (chemistry) § Usage in biology.
Glucose provides energy 4 kcal/gram, so a 5% glucose solution provides 0.2kcal/ml. If prepared fromdextrose monohydrate, which provides 3.4 kcal/gram, a 5% solution provides 0.17 kcal/ml.[11]
Although many doctors warn Asian immigrants in New York that the effects of injecting glucose differ little from drinking sugary water, many Asians, especially of older generations, still use the intravenous solution. In their homelands, it is commonly prescribed by doctors as a method to cure colds, fevers and sometimes an upset stomach.
