2.1 Important Preparation and Administration Instructions

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Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use Dextrose Injection (50%) if the solution is cloudy or the seal has been broken.

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Obtain a blood glucose level prior to administering Dextrose Injection (50%). However, in an emergency, administer Dextrose Injection (50%) promptly without awaiting blood glucose test results.

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Do not administer Dextrose Injection (50%) simultaneously with blood through the same infusion set because pseudoagglutination of red blood cells may occur.

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Administer Dextrose Injection (50%) intravenously. Do not administer Dextrose Injection (50%) subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

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Discard the unused portion.

2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration

Adults and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older

When possible, administer Dextrose Injection (50%) into a central vein or large peripheral vein because Dextrose Injection (50%) has an osmolarity greater than 900 mOsm/L and can cause venous irritation.

The recommended dosage of Dextrose Injection (50%) is 10 to 25 grams (20 to 50 mL) of Dextrose Injection (50%), administered once via intravenous infusion. Repeated doses may be administered as clinically appropriate.

Slowly infuse Dextrose Injection (50%) to reduce the risk of developing hyperglycemia and to minimize venous irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)]. The maximum rate at which Dextrose Injection (50%) can be infused without producing hyperglycemia is 0.5 g/kg of body weight/hour.

Pediatric Patients 2 to 11 Years of Age

Administer Dextrose Injection (50%) into a central vein. Avoid administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) into a peripheral vein because Dextrose Injection (50%) has an osmolarity greater than 900 mOsm/L and can cause venous irritation [Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. If central venous access cannot be obtained, consider using an alternative commercially available dextrose product with a lower concentration.

The appropriate dosage of Dextrose Injection (50%) depends on the age, weight, clinical and metabolic conditions of the patient, and concomitant therapy.

Slowly infuse Dextrose Injection (50%) to reduce the risk of developing hyperglycemia and to minimize venous irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)]. The maximum rate at which Dextrose Injection (50%) can be infused without producing hyperglycemia is 0.5 g/kg of body weight/hour.

5.1 Hyperglycemia and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State

Significant hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state may result from too rapid administration of Dextrose Injection (50%). Symptoms of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state include mental confusion and loss of consciousness. To minimize these risks, slowly infuse Dextrose Injection (50%) and monitor blood and urine glucose during treatment with Dextrose Injection (50%).

If Dextrose Injection (50%) is abruptly discontinued, patients should receive 5% or 10% dextrose injection to avoid rebound hypoglycemia.

5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with Dextrose Injection (50%) administration [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Stop administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) immediately if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction develop. Initiate appropriate treatment as clinically indicated.

5.3 Phlebitis and Thrombosis

Dextrose Injection (50%) is hypertonic (has an osmolarity greater than 900 mOsm/L) and may cause phlebitis and thrombosis at the site of injection. If thrombophlebitis occurs, remove the catheter as soon as possible.

Administer Dextrose Injection (50%) via slow intravenous infusion into a central vein (when possible) to reduce the risk of phlebitis and thrombosis. Ensure that the needle is well within the lumen of the vein and that extravasation does not occur. If thrombosis occurs, stop administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) and initiate corrective measures. Avoid administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) into a peripheral vein in pediatric patients 2 to 11 years old. If central venous access cannot be obtained in these pediatric patients, consider using an alternative commercially available dextrose product with a lower concentration.

Do not administer Dextrose Injection (50%) subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

5.4 Electrolyte Imbalance and Fluid Overload

Electrolyte deficits, particularly serum potassium and phosphate, may occur during prolonged use of Dextrose Injection (50%).

Depending on the administered volume and the infusion rate, administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) can cause fluid overload including pulmonary edema.

Avoid Dextrose Injection (50%) in patients at risk for fluid and/or solute overload. If use cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid base balance, especially during prolonged use. Additional monitoring is recommended for patients with water and electrolyte disturbances that could be aggravated by increased glucose, insulin administration, and/or free water load.

5.5 Hyponatremia

Dextrose Injection (50%) may cause hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can lead to acute hyponatremic encephalopathy characterized by headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy and vomiting. The risk of hospital-acquired hyponatremia is increased in pediatric patients, geriatric patients, patients treated with diuretics, and patients with cardiac or pulmonary failure or with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) (e.g., postoperative patients, patients concomitantly treated with arginine vasopressin analogs or certain antiepileptic, psychotropic, and cytotoxic drugs) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Avoid Dextrose Injection (50%) in patients with or at risk for hyponatremia. If use cannot be avoided, closely monitor serum sodium concentrations, chloride concentrations, fluid status, acid-base balance, and neurologic status [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

5.6 Potential Aluminum Toxicity for Patients with Immature or Impaired Renal Function

Dextrose Injection (50%) contains up to 600 mcg/L of aluminum. Prolonged administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) may lead to toxic levels of aluminum in pediatric patients with immature renal function. Due to the potential for excessive aluminum exposure, Dextrose Injection (50%) is not approved for pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age. Parenteral aluminum exposure greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day has been associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity in this age group.

Prolonged administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) may also lead to toxic levels of aluminum in adults and pediatric patients with renal impairment.

7.1 Drugs with Effects on Glycemic Control and Electrolyte Balance

Dextrose Injection (50%) can affect glycemic control, vasopressin, and fluid and/or electrolyte balance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.4, 5.5)]. Monitor patients’ blood glucose concentrations, fluid balance, serum electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance.

Concomitant administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) with drugs associated with hyponatremia may increase the risk of developing hyponatremia. Drugs associated with hyponatremia include diuretics and those that cause SIADH (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), arginine vasopressin analogs, certain antiepileptic, psychotropic, and cytotoxic drugs). Avoid use of Dextrose Injection (50%) in patients receiving drugs associated with hyponatremia. If use cannot be avoided, closely monitor serum sodium concentrations during concomitant use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Appropriate administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) during pregnancy is not expected to cause adverse developmental outcomes, including congenital malformations. However, maternal hyperglycemia secondary to infusion of glucose-containing products at the time of delivery has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes such as neonatal hypoglycemia. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with dextrose.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with insulin-induced hypoglycemia (e.g., hyperinsulinemia, insulin shock) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the effects of Dextrose Injection (50%) on levels of glucose in human milk, on the breastfed infant, or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Dextrose Injection (50%) and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Dextrose Injection (50%) or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Dextrose Injection (50%) is indicated in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older for the treatment of insulin-induced hypoglycemia (e.g., hyperinsulinemia, or insulin shock).

Monitor plasma electrolyte concentrations closely in pediatric patients who may have impaired ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Pediatric patients treated with Dextrose Injection (50%) are at increased risk of developing hyponatremia and hyponatremic encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Dextrose Injection (50%) is not indicated for use in neonates. Dextrose Injection (50%) can increase the risk of developing hypo- or hyperglycemia in neonates, especially preterm neonates with low birth weight. Excessive or rapid administration of Dextrose Injection (50%) may also result in increased serum osmolality and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in very low birth weight neonates.

Dextrose Injection (50%) is not indicated for use in pediatric patients younger than 2 years old due to the potential for excessive aluminum exposure. If treatment with Dextrose Injection (50%) is necessary in a pediatric patient younger than 2 years old, use a different dextrose product [see Indications and Usage (1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Dextrose Injection (50%) has not been studied in a sufficient number of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients. Geriatric patients are at increased risk of developing hyponatremia and hyponatremic encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the geriatric and younger adult patients. In general, the infusion rate for geriatric patients should start low and be titrated up cautiously, reflecting the greater risk for electrolyte abnormalities and fluid overload.

Dextrose is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to Dextrose Injection (50%) may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because geriatric patients are more likely to have impaired renal function, care should be taken in selection of the infusion rate, and patients should be closely monitored during Dextrose Injection (50%) treatment.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Dextrose restores blood glucose levels and provides a source of carbohydrate calories.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The exposure-response relationship and time course of pharmacodynamic response for the safety and effectiveness of dextrose have not been fully characterized.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Dextrose is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Studies with dextrose to evaluate the drug’s carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility have not been performed.

Storage and Handling

Minimize exposure of Dextrose Injection (50%) to heat. Avoid excessive heat. Protect from freezing. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA

LAB-1027-9.0