What is Dextrose Injection?
Dextrose injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of dextrose (glucose) in water for injection, administrated intravenously. Dextrose, which is chemically identical to glucose, is the natural sugar in our blood and the principal source of energy for the cells in the body. Dextrose injection is used to provide carbohydrate as caloric intake and to replenish the body's glucose levels.
Uses of Dextrose Injection
Treatment of hypoglycemia: Dextrose Injections is the first line treatment for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level. It works by rapidly raising blood glucose level.
Prevention of hypoglycemia: Dextrose injection can be given before or after procedures and medications that may cause hypoglycemia such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or oral hypoglycemic drugs.
Nutritional support: Dextrose injection provides carbohydrate nutrition when oral intake is not possible or insufficient due to conditions like severe illness, surgery or trauma. It helps meet the basic caloric requirement of the body.
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance: Dextrose injection can correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances by providing water and glucose to the body.
Pre-operative preparation: It is administered before surgery to provide glucose as fuel for cells and tissues during periods of stress and recovery.
Concentrations of Dextrose Injection
Dextrose injections come in varying concentrations depending on the need and condition of the patient:
- 5% dextrose injection: Used for fluid maintenance as it provides minimal calories.
- 10% dextrose injection: Used when oral intake is decreased but not absent to provide some caloric support.
- 25% dextrose injection: Intended for short-term use when oral intake is not possible. It provides significant calories.
- 50% dextrose injection: Reserved for severe hypoglycemia or diabetic emergencies as it rapidly increases blood glucose levels.
Administration and Precautions
- Dextrose injection is administered slowly via intravenous route over several minutes depending on concentration and condition of patient.
- Monitor vital signs during and after infusion as rapid administration can cause fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance or hypoglycemia.
- Patients should be monitored for signs of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, infections, venous thrombus, tissue damage.
- Limit use in patients with liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure due to risk of fluid overload and hyperglycemia.
- Infusion site should be rotated and inspected regularly for signs of phlebitis.
Adverse Effects of Dextrose Injection
- Hypoglycemia: Too rapid administration can cause blood glucose levels to spike and then crash down quickly
- Hyperglycemia: Prolonged use or high dose can cause persistently high blood glucose levels in non-diabetic patients.
- Vascular issues: Quick infusion can lead to pain, swelling or phlebitis at the infusion site. In rare cases, it may cause thrombophlebitis.
- Fluid overload: Large volumes over short time may cause pulmonary or peripheral edema in susceptible individuals like elderly.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Administration displaces sodium from extracellular fluid leading to hyponatremia.
- Infections: Non-sterile techniques can introduce pathogens and cause infection at the infusion site.
- Metabolic disturbances: Infusions containing dextrose may induce osmotic diuresis and affect fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.
Proper utilization of dextrose injections under medical guidance can help achieve desired effects while minimizing risks. Control of dose, rate and duration of infusion along with regular monitoring of patient is important.
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