Presentation

  • 50mL vial
  • 500mL bag

Role

  • Initial correction of symptomatic hypoglycaemia following insulin or sulphonylurea poisoning.
  • Maintenance of euglycaemia following insulin overdose or when high-dose insulin euglycaemic therapy is used for inotropic support in poisonings.

Vial with the name Glucose 50%.

Dose

Glucose 50% 50mL (child: 0.5mL/kg) IV stat through large bore IV or central line aiming for a BSL between 4-8 mmol/L.

** in paediatric patients 2.5mL/kg of 10% glucose is preferred **

Stocking recommendations

50% glucose is readily available given it is a standard resuscitation drug.

Precaution

50% glucose solution is hypertonic and can cause significant irritation to vessels. Initial boluses can be given via large bore peripheral line however if an ongoing infusion is required a central venous line should be placed.

Disclaimer

Fact sheet developed by Queensland Poisons Information Centre.

This fact sheet is about the use of these antidotes in Australia, and may not apply to other countries. Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this fact sheet.

Last updated: July 2023