Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXTROSE 25 versus DEXTROSE 5.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXTROSE 25 versus DEXTROSE 5.
DEXTROSE 25% vs DEXTROSE 5%
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Dextrose (D-glucose) is a monosaccharide that provides caloric support. It is transported into cells via glucose transporters (GLUTs) and undergoes glycolysis to produce ATP. It increases blood glucose levels, providing substrate for cellular metabolism.
Dextrose 5% provides a source of calories and water for intravenous administration. It is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, yielding energy. Dextrose solutions exert osmotic effects and can increase blood glucose levels.
Adults: 25 grams (100 mL of 25% solution) intravenously as a single dose for hypoglycemia. May repeat if needed based on blood glucose monitoring.
Intravenous infusion; 5% dextrose in water (D5W) is typically administered at a rate of 100-200 mL/hour to provide 50-100 g of glucose per day for maintenance hydration and minimal caloric support in adults.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal half-life is approximately 30-60 minutes due to rapid cellular uptake and metabolism. Clinical context: In hyperinsulinemic states or insulin therapy, half-life is shortened; in renal/hepatic impairment, half-life may be prolonged but glucose is quickly cleared.
0.5-1 hour (endogenous glucose); intravenous infusion half-life is variable due to continuous cellular uptake and metabolism; clinical context: rapid clearance via insulin-mediated cellular uptake and glycolysis.
Dextrose is completely metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. Excretion: Renal (0% unchanged), Biliary/Fecal (negligible). Essentially 100% metabolized.
Renal: 100% (D-glucose and its metabolites, including CO2 and water); less than 1% excreted unchanged in urine under normal conditions; fecal excretion negligible.
Category C
Category C
IV Fluid
IV Fluid