Health Library

Dextrose (By injection)

Dextrose (DEX-trose)

Provides your body with extra water and carbohydrates (calories from sugar). Dextrose is used in many different health conditions.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• If you do not need to use all of the medicine in a package, throw away the leftover medicine. Do not save any to use later.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor, pharmacist, treatment clinic, or home health caregiver for instructions. The exact instructions depend on the reason you are receiving this medicine.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not add anything to the dextrose solution unless your caregiver tells you to. Dextrose is often used with other medicines or nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals), but not all medicines and nutrients are safe to mix together and must be done using a special technique to prevent contamination.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. This is especially important if this medicine is being given to a baby.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever.
• Severe swelling, especially in your feet, legs, hands, or arms.
• Swelling, redness, bleeding, or pain where the needle is placed.
• Trouble breathing.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024