DESCRIPTION

Dextrose is α-D (+) Glucopyranose, C6H12O6, a sugar usually obtained by the hydrolysis of starch. It has the following structural formula:

Dextrose, USP, contains one molecule of water of hydration or is anhydrous.

Dextrose Injection, USP, a fluid and nutrient replenisher, is a sterile aqueous solution of dextrose and is available in the following
concentration:

    50% - containing 500 mg of dextrose monohydrate per mL; osmolarity (calc.): 2500 mOsmol/ L.

This preparation is for intravenous use and contains no antimicrobial preservatives. It is intended as a single dose vial; once the unit is assembled and used, any remaining portion of the solution must be discarded with the entire unit.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Dextrose, the natural sugar occurring in blood, is the principal source of energy for the body. In addition to its importance as the primary source of energy for the body, dextrose has a multitude of other essential roles in the body economy. It is readily converted to fat, which provides a rich store of energy in a concentrated form (9 cal/g). Dextrose is also stored within the liver and muscles as glycogen. When a rapid rise in blood sugar is demanded by the body, glycogen is quickly liberated as D-glucose. When the supply of dextrose is insufficient, the body mobilizes its fat stores, which are converted to acetate with production of energy by the same oxidative pathways employed in the combustion of the dextrose.

Another important use of dextrose in the total body economy is the sparing of proteins, which, in the absence of dextrose, may be deaminated to provide carbon moieties from their constituent amino acids. These deaminated fragments may undergo oxidation in order to release energy. Dextrose is also the probable source of glucuronic acid, with which many foreign substances and their metabolites combine to form excretion products. It probably provides the basic substances required for the formation of hyaluronates and chondroitin sulfates, the supporting structure of the organism. It can be converted to a pentose essential for the formation of nucleic acids by the cells.

Dextrose Injection, 50%, is used in parenteral hyperalimentation. It is a hypertonic solution and, when administered intravenously, cause cellular dehydration. It has been employed to promote diuresis by increasing the osmotic pressure of the glomerular filtrate. Its hypertonic property makes it valuable in the following special clinical uses, which may be summarized as follows:

a) For its concentrated food value in patients in whom more dilute solutions are contraindicated by actual or impending edema, such as exist in surgical as well as nonsurgical patients.
b) 50%: Used in the treatment of insulin hypoglycemia (hyperinsulinemia or insulin shock) to restore blood glucose levels.

For reduction of increased cerebrospinal pressure and/ or cerebral edema due to delirium tremens or acute alcoholic intoxication. Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be depressed for two to four hours after intravenous injection of 50 mL of 50% dextrose solution.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypertonic solutions of dextrose should not be administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intraperitoneally.
    Subcutaneous administration of hypertonic solutions may be irritating to the tissues and should be avoided.
The intravenous use of strongly hypertonic solutions of dextrose to reduce cerebral edema and/or cerebrospinal pressure is contraindicated in the presence of intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage and in delirium tremens if the patient is already dehydrated. It is also contraindicated in diabetic coma while blood sugar is excessively high and in patients with glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.

WARNINGS

Dextrose solutions I.V. can cause fluid or solute overload resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states, or pulmonary edema.
Hypertonic dextrose solutions, even when given intravenously, have a tendency to cause venous thrombosis. Proper technique for intravenous injection should therefore be employed to avoid vein damage. For example: It is suggested that a needle of the smallest practicable bore be used; that the injection be made as slowly as conditions permit; that the bevel of the inserted needle be kept as far away as possible from the wall of the vein (usually the superior vena cava or other equally large vein); blood flow in the punctured vein be increased by the application of heat to that extremity; that the solution itself be warmed to body temperature, or at least to room temperature, before use; and that the tourniquet be removed as soon as the needle is in the vein and before any solution is injected.
    Dextrose-containing solutions should be used with caution in patients with subclinical or overt diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance.
    Rapid administration of hypertonic solutions may produce significant hyperglycemia or hyperosmolar syndrome, especially in patients with chronic uremia or carbohydrate intolerance.

PRECAUTIONS

ADVERSE REACTIONS

A number of serious reactions have been reported following the intravenous injection of dextrose, which can be attributed to the solution or error in technique. These include: febrile response; infection at the injection site; tissue necrosis; venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection; extravasation; hypovolemia; hypervolemia; dehydration; mental confusion or unconsciousness. It has been claimed that dextrose may produce allergic reactions in corn-sensitive persons, but this allegation has been refuted. The largest available peripheral vein and a well placed small bore needle should be used.
    Thrombophlebitis may result from the use of hypertonic solutions via the intravenous route of administration. Rapid infusion (e.g., 50 to 100 g over three minutes, as in an intravenous glucose tolerance test) may occasionally cause a generalized flush. This subsides within ten minutes. Significant hyperglycemia, hyperosmolar syndrome and glycosuria may occur with too rapid administration of hypertonic solutions (See  WARNINGS). They are more likely to cause irritation and should therefore be administered into larger central veins.
    The administration of dextrose without an adequate provision of certain B vitamins, which form the coenzyme systems in its metabolism, will exhaust tissue stores of these factors, leading to deficiency states. Similarly, the utilization of glucose will cause the intracellular movement of potassium, so that provisions for replacement of this element during periods of dextrose administration may require consideration under certain conditions. The level of blood sugar appears to be one factor in governing the rate of production of certain hormones; hyperglycemia invokes an outpouring of insulin; hypoglycemia causes release of epinephrine and through this latter mechanism, the pituitary-adrenal cortex is stimulated. From the anterior pituitary and adrenal cortex, the anti-insulin factors which tend to restore the blood sugar to normal are liberated.

OVERDOSAGE

In the event of a fluid or solute overload during parenteral therapy, the patient’s condition should be reevaluated and appropriate corrective treatment instituted.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Hypertonic solutions of dextrose are for intravenous use only.
    The concentration and dose depend upon the patient’s age, weight and clinical condition. Electrolytes should be added based on fluid and electrolyte status.
The maximum rate at which dextrose can be infused without producing glycosuria is 0.5 g/kg/hour. About 95% is retained when infused at 0.8 g/kg/hour.

Insulin-induced hypoglycemia: Blood glucose is determined before injecting dextrose. In emergencies, dextrose is promptly administered without waiting for pretreatment test results.

Adults: 10 to 25 g (20 to 50 mL of the 50% solution). Repeated doses may be required in severe cases. The number of injections and the interval between them must be determined in each case by clinical judgment. Slow intravenous administration is recommended, e.g. 3 mL of the 50% solution per minute. After 25 grams of dextrose have been given, it is advisable to interrupt the injection and evaluate the effect. The exact number of grams required to relieve hypoglycemia will vary. After the patient responds, supplemental oral feedings are indicated to avoid relapse, especially after insulin shock therapy.

Neonates: 250 to 500 mg/kg/dose (5 to 10 mL of 25% dextrose in a 5 kg infant) to control acute symptomatic hypoglycemia.

Severe cases or older infants: Larger or repeated single doses up to 10 to 12 mL of 25% dextrose may be required. Subsequent continuous I.V. infusion of 10% dextrose may be needed to stabilize blood glucose levels.

    In the treatment of acute alcoholism, intravenous dextrose - 50 mL of the 50% solution - is used; unmodified insulin, 20 units, and thiamine hydrochloride, 100 mg, are added to the infusion.

NOTE: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

HOW SUPPLIED

In unit-use packages containing a Luer-JetTM Luer-Lock Prefilled Syringe.
DEXTROSE INJECTION, USP, 50%

Stock No. 3301             NDC 0548-3301-00             25 g in 50 mL

Ten cartons per package.

Syringe Assembly Directions:

USE ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE
Do not assemble until ready to use.

*CAUTION: IMPROPER ENGAGING MAY CAUSE GLASS BREAKAGE AND SUBSEQUENT INJURY.
Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

INTERNATIONAL MEDICATION SYSTEMS, LIMITED
SO. EL MONTE, CA 91733, U.S.A.                                 Rx Only
An Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Company                 REV. 8-10

Carton - 25mg/50mL (Stock No. 3301)

Syringe Label - 25g/50mL (Stock No. 3301)