Glucose Other names: Dextrose

Concomitant administration of catecholamines and steroids decreases the glucose up-take.

There is no, or inadequate evidence of safety of the drug in human pregnancy, but it has been in wide use for many years without apparent harmful consequence. Intravenous glucose may result in fetal insulin production, with an associated risk of rebound hypoglycaemia in the neonate. Infusions of glucose administered during Caesarean section and labour should be used with caution, and should not exceed 5-10g glucose/hour.

Intravenous glucose should be administered with special caution for pregnant women during labour particularly if administered in combination with oxytocin due to the risk of hyponatraemia.

Fertility

There are no adequate data of the effect of glucose on fertility. However, no effect on fertility is expected.

None known.

Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 to <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); Very rare (<1/10,000), Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Not known: Hospital acquired hyponatraemia*, Hyperglycaemia**, Hypokalaemia, Hypophosphataemia, Hypomagnesaemia, Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Nervous system disorders

Not known: Hyponatraemic encephalopathy*

General disorders and administration site conditions

Not known: Pain at the injection site, Vein irritation, Venous thrombosis, Phlebitis

* Hospital acquired hyponatraemia may cause irreversible brain injury and death due to development of acute hyponatraemic encephalopathy.
** Hyperglycaemia (possibly indicated by mental confusion or loss of consciousness) and glycosuria may occur as a result of the rate of administration or metabolic insufficiency. If undetected and untreated hyperglycaemia can lead to dehydration, hyperosmolar coma and death.

The administration of glucose without adequate levels of thiamine may precipitate overt deficiency states e.g. Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Sodium retention, oedema, pulmonary oedema and congestive heart failure may be induced in patients with severe under-nutrition.