Generic name: dextrose (DEX-trose)
Drug class: Glucose elevating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2023.

Uses for dextrose

Dextrose injection is a sterile solution used to provide your body with extra water and carbohydrates (calories from sugar). It is used when a patient is not able to drink enough liquids or when additional fluids are needed. Dextrose is used in many different medical conditions.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using dextrose

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dextrose injection in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dextrose injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving dextrose injection.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Diabetes or
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or
• Peripheral edema (swelling of the arms, feet, or lower legs) or
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Related/similar drugs

acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid, biotin, multivitamin, niacin

Proper use of dextrose

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Precautions while using dextrose

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child closely to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Side Effects of dextrose

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Bluish color
• blurred vision
• changes in skin color
• cough
• dizziness
• fast or slow heartbeat
• fever
• headache
• pain, redness, pale skin, or infection at the site of injection
• pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
• rapid breathing
• severe headaches of sudden onset
• shortness of breath
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden onset of slurred speech
• sudden vision changes
• swelling of the arms, feet, or lower legs
• weight gain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Parenteral Solution

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer