GENERIC NAME: glucose

BRAND NAME: none

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is used to increase the level of blood glucose when the level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Glucose is a glucose-elevating agent. Other glucose-elevating agents are diazoxide (Proglycem) and glucagon. Glucose is the primary fuel used by most cells in the body to generate the energy that is needed to carry out cellular functions. When glucose levels fall to hypoglycemic levels, cells cannot function normally, and symptoms develop such as nervousness, cool skin, headache, confusion, convulsions or coma. Ingested glucose is absorbed directly into the blood from the intestine and results in a rapid increase in the blood glucose level.

GENERIC: yes

PRESCRIPTION: no

PREPARATIONS: Glucose is available as a gel in an 80 gm bottle or a 25 gm tube. It also is available as a flavored tablet for swallowing and a chewable 5 gm tablet.

STORAGE: Glucose should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C(59-86°F) in a tight container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Glucose is used to manage hypoglycemia.

DOSING: The usual dose of glucose is 10-20 gm in a conscious patient experiencing hypoglycemia. The dose may be repeated in 10 minutes if hypoglycemic symptoms do not resolve. Oral glucose must be swallowed to be effective.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with glucose.

PREGNANCY: Glucose may be ingested during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Glucose may be used to manage hypoglycemia in nursing mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea may occur after ingesting glucose, but this also may be an effect of the hypoglycemia which is present just prior to ingestion.
Last Editorial Review: 6/21/2001 7:28:00 PM

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