20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P. Infusion/Solution for

What is 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion B.P. is a sterile, hypertonic solution of dextrose (glucose) in water, designed for intravenous administration. It is presented in a 500 ml plastic bottle and contains 100 grams of glucose. This solution provides a concentrated source of calories and is used in clinical settings for a variety of therapeutic purposes, especially in managing blood glucose levels and offering nutritional support to patients who are unable to eat or drink.

• Generic Name: Dextrose (Glucose) Monohydrate
• Concentration: 20% weight/volume (w/v) – 20 grams per 100 ml
• Packaging: 500 ml plastic bottle
• Type: Hypertonic intravenous infusion solution
• Main Uses:
  • Treatment of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
  • Providing caloric energy in parenteral nutrition
  • As a diluent for other intravenous medications
  • Support in poisoning cases (e.g., insulin overdose)

This glucose solution plays a vital role in fluid therapy, energy supplementation, and metabolic stabilization in both acute and chronic care settings.

How to use 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

20% Glucose IV Infusion must be administered under strict medical supervision. Its use requires careful control of the rate, volume, and duration of infusion to avoid complications such as hyperglycemia or fluid overload.

• Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) infusion only
• Preparation Steps:
  • Inspect the solution visually for clarity, color, and particulate matter
  • Use aseptic technique when preparing and connecting the IV system
  • Ensure the integrity of the plastic bottle and cap before use
• Administration Tips:
  • Use a sterile IV infusion set with a flow regulator
  • Infuse through a suitable vein – ideally a large peripheral or central vein due to hypertonicity
  • Control the infusion rate to avoid rapid shifts in blood glucose
• Monitoring:
  • Monitor blood glucose and electrolyte levels regularly
  • Adjust infusion speed based on patient response and clinical condition
  • Check for signs of fluid overload or phlebitis at the infusion site

This product should not be self-administered and must be given under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.

Mode of Action 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

Dextrose, the active component in this infusion, is a primary source of energy for cellular metabolism. When infused intravenously, dextrose rapidly enters the bloodstream, where it serves critical physiological functions.

• Cellular Uptake:
  • Glucose is transported into cells by facilitated diffusion and insulin-dependent mechanisms
  • Once inside the cell, glucose undergoes glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to produce ATP
• Physiological Functions:
  • Provides immediate energy for high-demand tissues such as the brain and heart
  • Supports liver glycogen storage
  • Helps regulate blood glucose homeostasis
• Additional Effects:
  • High osmolarity of 20% glucose can draw fluid into the intravascular compartment (osmotic effect)
  • Promotes diuresis in some cases when administered in larger volumes

The energy provided by glucose is essential during times of fasting, stress, metabolic illness, or when oral intake is insufficient.

20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P. Interactions 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

Although glucose itself has limited direct pharmacological interactions, intravenous administration of concentrated glucose solutions can influence or be influenced by a range of medications and conditions.

• Insulin:
  • Co-administration may require dose adjustments to prevent hypoglycemia
  • Often used together in hyperkalemia treatment
• Electrolytes:
  • Glucose infusions may dilute plasma electrolytes (especially potassium, magnesium, and phosphate)
  • May necessitate supplementation if used in parenteral nutrition
• Corticosteroids and Diuretics:
  • Can raise blood sugar levels, requiring monitoring during infusion
• Antiepileptics (e.g., Phenytoin):
  • Y-site incompatibility reported with glucose solutions; may precipitate or reduce effectiveness
• Alcohol:
  • May enhance or mask the effects of hypoglycemia depending on dose and timing

Healthcare providers should always evaluate potential drug-drug interactions when prescribing glucose infusion, especially in patients on complex therapy regimens.

Dosage of 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

The dosage of 20% glucose IV infusion depends on the patient’s age, weight, clinical condition, and intended therapeutic goal. This high-concentration glucose solution should be used cautiously to prevent complications like hyperglycemia or osmotic diuresis.

• Adults:
  • For hypoglycemia: 25–50 ml IV bolus as required
  • For nutritional support: Infusion rates of 3–5 mg/kg/min, adjusted per calorie needs
• Pediatrics:
  • Typically not the first choice in neonates due to high concentration
  • Requires careful calculation: 0.5–1 g/kg/dose slowly IV
• In Emergency Cases:
  • May be administered as a rapid IV push to reverse acute hypoglycemia
• Infusion Rate:
  • Should not exceed the patient’s glucose oxidation capacity (approx. 4–7 mg/kg/min)
  • Excess infusion may lead to hyperglycemia or glycosuria

Always adjust the dosage based on blood glucose monitoring, electrolyte levels, and clinical response.

Possible side effects of 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

Although generally safe when used correctly, 20% glucose IV infusion may lead to a variety of adverse effects, particularly if infused rapidly or without adequate monitoring.

• Metabolic Effects:
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
  • Glycosuria (glucose in urine)
  • Electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia)
• Local Reactions:
  • Pain or swelling at the infusion site
  • Thrombophlebitis due to hypertonicity
• Systemic Effects:
  • Fluid overload and pulmonary edema in patients with renal or cardiac insufficiency
  • Osmotic diuresis leading to dehydration
  • Lactic acidosis in rare cases due to glucose metabolism dysregulation
• Hypersensitivity Reactions:
  • Rare, but may include rash, urticaria, or anaphylaxis

Report any serious or unusual side effects to the healthcare provider immediately.

20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P. Contraindications 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

There are specific clinical situations where administration of 20% glucose is either contraindicated or must be used with extreme caution.

• Absolute Contraindications:
  • Severe hyperglycemia without concurrent insulin therapy
  • Known hypersensitivity to dextrose or any component of the formulation
  • Intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhage (risk of exacerbation)
• Relative Contraindications:
  • Congestive heart failure or fluid retention disorders
  • Renal impairment or anuria
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Electrolyte imbalances (especially hypokalemia or hyponatremia)

Each patient's condition must be evaluated individually to assess the appropriateness of high-concentration glucose infusion.

Storage of 20% w/v GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION B.P.

Correct storage ensures the sterility, safety, and therapeutic effectiveness of the 20% glucose infusion solution.

• Storage Temperature:
  • Store below 25°C (77°F)
  • Avoid freezing or excessive heat
• Protection Requirements:
  • Protect from direct sunlight and physical damage
  • Keep the bottle sealed until time of use
• Container Checks:
  • Do not use if solution is discolored, cloudy, or contains particles
  • Ensure the integrity of the plastic bottle and tamper-evident seals
• Shelf Life:
  • Check expiration date on the label before use
  • Discard any unused solution after opening

Store in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and local hospital protocols to maintain sterility and potency.