Glucose (Dextrose): Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Glucose, also called dextrose, is a carbohydrate used to raise blood sugar when it becomes dangerously low. It may be given by mouth as a glucose product or by injection in a healthcare setting, depending on the formulation and the urgency of treatment.
Glucose can treat low blood sugar, but the correct amount and route depend on the product and the situation. Follow the package instructions or a clinician’s directions, and never give oral glucose to someone who is unconscious or unable to swallow safely.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V04CA02
- Generic
- Glucose
- Class
- glucose
- Brands
- Glutose, Insta-Glucose
- Availability
- behind_counter
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Onset (min)
- 5
- Duration (h)
- 1
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- gel, injection, tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-glucose
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 15-20g
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1 g/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15g
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
use as needed for hypoglycemia, maintain normal blood glucose levels
regular blood glucose monitoring
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
continue glucose supplementation as needed for hypoglycemia management
regular blood glucose monitoring
pregnancy
third trimestermonitor closely
avoid excessive glucose administration, monitor for gestational diabetes
regular blood glucose monitoring, gestational diabetes screening
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
glucose is naturally present in breast milk, use as needed
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing
use under medical supervision, monitor blood glucose closely
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
appropriate for treating hypoglycemia in children
regular blood glucose monitoring
geriatric
elderlymonitor closely
use with caution in elderly with diabetes or metabolic disorders
regular blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
use as needed, glucose is metabolized
monitor blood glucose
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
monitor for fluid overload with IV glucose
frequent blood glucose and fluid status monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemonitor closely
liver metabolizes glucose, monitor blood levels
regular blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol usemonitor closely
alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, glucose may be needed but monitor closely
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Emergency glucose products for hypoglycemia treatment
Drug class
Chemical classification of glucose
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for glucose products
Route of administration
Methods of administering glucose products
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy