dextrose antidote

Action and Spectrum

Mechanism of action 

dextrose is a source of calories and fluid for patients who cannot obtain adequate oral intake. It is often administered as a dextrose-containing intravenous (IV) solution, such as D5W (dextrose 5% in water), to provide energy and hydration to patients unable to take in adequate amounts of food or fluids by mouth. 

It is also a substrate to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell, during aerobic metabolism. When glucose is metabolized through cellular respiration, it is broken down to release energy used by the cell to carry out its various functions. Additionally, dextrose promotes glycogen deposition in the liver.  

Spectrum 

The spectrum of dextrose refers to the range of different dextrose forms and concentrations used in various applications. 

• In the food and beverage industry, dextrose is used as a sweetener, humectant, and texture improver, for example, in cand, baking, and canning. 
• In medicine, dextrose is used as a source of energy and hydration for patients unable to obtain adequate oral intake. It is often administered in the form of a dextrose-containing intravenous (IV) solution, such as D5W (dextrose 5% in water), and D10W (dextrose 10% in water) 
• In the biotechnology and fermentation industry, dextrose is used as a substrate for the growth of microorganisms and to produce various products, including enzymes, antibiotics, and organic acids. 
• In pharmacology, dextrose may be used as a carrier or excipient in different pharmaceutical formulations to help dissolve and distribute active ingredients throughout the body, 
• In research, dextrose is used in biological experiments as a source of energy for cell culture or in molecular biology studies to create controlled osmotic pressure. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency undefined:  

Hypokalemia 

Hypovolemia 

Fever 

Unconsciousness 

Glycosuria 

Phlebitis 

Metabolic acidosis 

Polydipsia 

Pulmonary edema 

Edema 

Dehydration 

Mental confusion 

Ketonuria 

Polyuria 

venous thrombosis 

diarrhea 

vein irritation 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications 

• Hyperglycemia: Individuals with high blood sugar levels, including those with diabetes, should not take dextrose without close monitoring and medical supervision, as it can further raise blood sugar levels and worsen symptoms. 
• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome(HHNS): High blood glucose levels and low insulin levels can lead to severe dehydration, altered mental status, and other complications if dextrose is used. 
• Severe hepatic impairment: Liver disease can affect the ability of the liver to metabolize glucose, which can cause hyperglycemia and other complications if dextrose is used. 
• Hypersensitivity: People with an allergic or other adverse reaction to dextrose or other ingredients in the solution should not use dextrose. 

Caution 

• Monitoring blood sugar levels: Individuals with diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels should monitor their glucose levels regularly, especially when starting or adjusting dextrose treatment. 
• Dehydration: It is often given as an IV solution, which can cause dehydration in high concentrations. It is essential to monitor the patient’s hydration status and administer fluids as needed. 
• Administration rate: It should be administered slowly, typically no more than 50 ml per minute, to avoid complications such as vein irritation, embolism, and hyperglycemia. 
• Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, increased urination, and stomach discomfort. If these symptoms occur, the rate of administration should be reduced or stopped. 
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause confusion, sweating, and shakiness. It is essential to monitor patients for signs of hypoglycemia and provide treatment if necessary, such as oral glucose or a different medication. 
• Adverse reactions: It can cause adverse reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, the administration should be stopped, and the patient should seek medical attention. 
• Compatibility: If dextrose is given with other medications, it is essential to check compatibility, as some medications may interact with dextrose in ways that can lead to complications. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Administration 

It can be administered in several different ways, including: 

• Oral: dextrose tablets or solutions can be taken by mouth to treat mild cases of hypoglycemia. It can also be used in food and drinks as a sweetener or energy source. 
• Intravenous: dextrose can be administered directly into a vein (IV) to treat moderate to severe hypoglycemia or other medical conditions. This way is faster than oral administration, can take effect within minutes, and is a common practice for patients with hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia for diabetic patients 
• Subcutaneous or Intramuscular: dextrose can also be administered under the skin or into a muscle to provide energy to the body; it is less common than previous methods. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dextrose antidote

Pronounced: (deks-trohs) 

Why do we use dextrose antidote? 

Dextrose antidote is a form of glucose, a simple sugar that serves as an energy source for the body. It is sometimes used as an antidote to treat low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. 

Some examples of the use of dextrose as an antidote include: 

• Treatment of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes: It is often administered to individuals who have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, such as confusion, shakiness, or a rapid heartbeat. 
• Reversal of insulin overdose: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Sometimes, a person may accidentally or intentionally take too much insulin, which can cause dangerously low blood sugar. Dextrose is used to quickly raise blood sugar levels and counteract the effects of insulin overdose. 
• Treating other medical conditions: It can treat other medical conditions that cause low blood sugar, such as liver failure.