DEXTROSE 30% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DEXTROSE 30% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (DEXTROSE 30% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
Dextrose (D-glucose) is a monosaccharide that serves as a substrate for cellular energy production. It is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to produce ATP, and it also participates in the pentose phosphate pathway for NADPH and ribose synthesis.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized primarily in the liver via glycolysis to pyruvate, which enters the citric acid cycle. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen (glycogenesis) or converted to fatty acids (lipogenesis). Metabolism is insulin-dependent. |
| Excretion | Dextrose is completely metabolized to carbon dioxide and water; <5% excreted unchanged in urine (renal) and none via biliary/fecal routes. |
| Half-life | Not applicable; dextrose is a physiologic sugar with rapid metabolism. In diabetics, impaired utilization may prolong glucose elevation (clinical context: risk of hyperglycemia). |
| Protein binding | 0% (not bound to proteins). |
| Volume of Distribution | ~0.2 L/kg (primarily extracellular fluid; expands with administration; clinical meaning: rapid distribution into ECF). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (complete). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (within seconds) as it enters circulation; subcutaneous: not relevant; oral: not applicable for 30% solution. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: ~1–2 hours depending on metabolic rate and glucose utilization; prolonged in insulin deficiency or renal glycosuria. |
Intravenous administration; dose depends on patient's metabolic needs and clinical condition. Typical adult dose: 500 mL of 30% dextrose (150 g dextrose) infused over 4-6 hours, rate not exceeding 0.5 g/kg/hour. Frequency: as needed per blood glucose monitoring.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | For GFR <10 mL/min: use with caution, monitor serum glucose and electrolytes; reduce infusion rate if oliguria or anuria present. GFR 10-50 mL/min: no specific dose adjustment required but monitor volume status. GFR >50 mL/min: standard dosing. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh Class A: standard dosing. Class B: monitor glucose and osmolality; consider reduced infusion rate. Class C: use with caution; avoid if severe hepatic failure due to risk of hyperglycemia and fluid overload. |
| Pediatric use | Neonates and infants: 0.5-1 g/kg/dose (1.67-3.33 mL/kg/dose) as 30% dextrose, infused at 0.5 g/kg/hour maximum rate. Children: similar weight-based dosing, adjust to maintain normoglycemia, maximum infusion rate 0.5 g/kg/hour. |
| Geriatric use | Start at lower end of dosing range; monitor blood glucose, volume status, and renal function. Infusion rate not exceeding 0.5 g/kg/hour; avoid rapid infusion due to risk of hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DEXTROSE 30% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (DEXTROSE 30% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose is a normal constituent of breast milk; intravenous administration does not significantly alter milk composition. M/P ratio not applicable due to endogenous presence. Compatible with breastfeeding at standard doses. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose is a physiological nutrient; no teratogenic effects reported at therapeutic doses across all trimesters. High concentrations may cause maternal hyperglycemia, which is associated with fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and congenital anomalies if uncontrolled. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Serious Effects |
["Diabetic coma with hyperglycemia (unless specifically indicated for severe hypoglycemia).","Patients with intracranial hemorrhage (contraindicated for solutions containing dextrose in water; not absolute for isotonic dextrose solutions).","Hypersensitivity to dextrose or corn-derived products.","Severe metabolic acidosis (relative contraindication for highly concentrated solutions)."]
| Precautions | ["Hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar syndrome may occur, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus or increased intracranial pressure.","Risk of fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hyponatremia) in patients with renal or cardiac impairment.","Use with caution in patients with glucose intolerance, including those with poorly controlled diabetes.","May cause hypokalemia if administered without adequate potassium supplementation.","Intravenous dextrose solutions can cause phlebitis and infection at the catheter site."] |
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| Fetal Monitoring |
| Monitor maternal blood glucose, electrolytes (especially potassium, phosphate), and fluid balance. In pregnancy, monitor for signs of hyperglycemia, edema, and uterine activity. Fetal monitoring via ultrasound for growth abnormalities if prolonged therapy. |
| Fertility Effects | No direct effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. However, underlying conditions requiring dextrose (e.g., diabetes) may impair fertility; control of maternal glucose improves reproductive outcomes. |