<--back to pharmacology table of contents
 

 

Glutose (Oral Glucose)

Class: Carbohydrate
Route: Oral

Adult Dose:

Full tube given in small doses (25 - 50 gm) - standing order
Pediatric Dose: 0.5 gm/kg in small doses - standing order
Drug Action: Increases blood glucose level
Onset: 1 minute
Duration: Depends on the degree of hypoglycemia
Indications:

Altered mental status caused by hypoglycemia defined as;

  • Adults:
    • Diabetics = fingerstick blood glucose analysis less than 110 mg/dL
    • Non-diabetics = fingerstick blood glucose analysis less than 80 mg/dL
  • Children:
    • Diabetics = fingerstick blood glucose analysis less than 90 mg/dL
    • Non-diabetics = fingerstick blood glucose analysis less than 60 mg/dL
Precautions: Assure gag reflex is present
Side Effects: Aspiration
Contraindications:
  • Absent gag reflex
  • Patients who are unable to protect their own airway
  • Patients who are unable to swallow

 

 

<--back to pharmacology table of contents