Dextrose (D10W)

Aliases: None  

Indications: Symptomatic hypoglycemia, altered mentation with glucose < 60, newborn with heart rate < 60 and glucose < 40.  

Contraindications: In suspected hypoglycemia: None  

Concentrations: 

Injection: 25g/250mL (1g/10mL)

Dosing

Adult:

Indication Dose Route Note 
Symptomatic Hypoglycemia 25g IV Infusion Titrate to effect.
Repeat PRN 

Pediatric:

Indication Dose Route Note 
Pediatric Hypoglycemia 
(30 days or older)		1 g/kg
(5mL/kg)		IV Infusion Titrate to effect.
Repeat PRN 
Newborn Hypoglycemia
(0-29 days)		0.2 g/kg
(1mL/kg)		IV Infusion Titrate to effect.
Repeat PRN 
Use Handtevy or Approved Pediatric Reference Guide for Amount to Administer 

Precautions: Use with caution in patients with suspected increased ICP.  

Adverse/Side Effects: Patients may complain of warmth, pain, or burning at the injection site. Extravasation causes necrosis. Infusing through larger vessels decreases the risk of necrosis 

Class: Carbohydrate  

Mechanism of Action: Glucose is readily processed in the blood. Through glycolysis, glucose is turned into pyruvate giving off a small amount of chemical energy (ATP). Pyruvate is further processed through the Citric Acid Cycle yielding even more energy. Glucose is a large molecule and is incapable of being absorbed into a cell without insulin and therefore increases damage to epithelium. It also causes an osmotic pressure as concentrations vary across membranes. 

Onset of ActionPeak EffectDuration of Action 
FastVariesVaries