Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Dextrose

Dextrose: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Dextrose?

Dextrose is a kind of simple sugar that is derived from starch and has the chemical formula C6H14O7. Starch is a complex carbohydrate that occurs naturally in various plants, including maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Corn starch is the most frequent source of Dextrose. Dextrose is another name for glucose or Glucon- D. It is a great energy source, which keeps all the cells and organs of the body functioning properly.

What are the Uses of Dextrose?

Dextrose helps provide carbohydrate calories to those unable to eat due to sickness, trauma, or other medical issues. These are sometimes given to alcoholics who are ill. Dextrose is used to treat dehydration, hyperkalaemia (increase concentration of potassium in the blood) and hypoglycaemia (decrease blood sugar level). Dextrose is cheap and readily accessible, making it an excellent choice for hypoglycemics. Using Dextrose requires careful monitoring of blood sugar levels to prevent high blood sugar symptoms.

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    What are the Side Effects of Dextrose?

    Dextrose is a naturally occurring sugar with little to no side effects. However, in case of overdose, the following side effects may be present:

    • Swelling in the hands and feet
    • Increased thirst
    • Rapid breathing
    • High blood sugar
    • Diarrhoea
    • Low magnesium and phosphorus in the blood
    • Abnormal heart rate
    • Accumulation of fluid in the lungs
    • In cases of increased Dextrose in the body, loss of consciousness

    For oral intake, glucose is available as a soluble powder to be mixed with drinking water. The usual dosage is between 20 to 100 ml and can be repeated if required. Dextrose is not recommended for those people who have low potassium levels in the blood or have high blood sugar levels. Also, people who often complain of swelling in the hands and feet should avoid Dextrose.

    You can consult our medical experts at Yashoda Hospital for guidance on the uses and benefits, along with appropriate dosage and precautions of Dextrose.

    What is Dextrose

    Uses of Dextrose

    Side effects of Dextrose

    References

    1. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Biological_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Biological_Chemistry)/Carbohydrates/Monosaccharides/Glucose_(Dextrose)
    2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/66370
    3. https://www.drugs.com/Dextrose.html
    4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemical-engineering/Dextrose

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Dextrose

    Dextrose is good for you if you take it in moderation. It is a quick-digesting sugar that helps restore energy quickly. For example, taking it within 30 minutes after finishing an intense workout can help you feel active again. It is not advised to use it every day since it may cause serious adverse effects, especially in diabetics and other cardiac patients.

    Yes, Dextrose is gluten-free. Even though it is derived from wheat, the manufacturing process involves a high degree of hydrolysis, ensuring that no gluten remains in the sugars. Since the final product is gluten-free, it is safe for individuals with celiac disease to consume Dextrose.

    Dextrose has a glycaemic index (GI) of 100 due to its molecular structure. Whereas sucrose (table sugar) is 65 and fructose is 19 on the GI scale. Dextrose is a naturally occurring sugar that is generated by the liver. Glucose is an energy source, and all of the cells and organs in our body need glucose to operate correctly.

    No, Dextrose is a high carbohydrate sweetener which is why it is NOT keto-friendly! In the keto diet, carbs and any form of sugar are restricted. Even if it is consumed in minimal amounts, Dextrose can kick you out of ketosis. Other keto-friendly sweeteners which you can consume are stevia or erythritol.

    Dextrose is extensively utilized in goods due to its many beneficial qualities and availability. Dextrose is often used to sweeten, preserve, or neutralize hot or salty foods. It aids in the fermentation process of wine. Because it is less sweet than other sugars like sucrose, Dextrose is often used to preserve packaged goods. Jams, sauces, pickles, and spices are examples.

    Yes, it is common practice to use Dextrose as a sweetener in many packaged or canned food items to enhance the sweet flavour. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid any negative side effects. It is also used in baked products like bread since it allows them to brown more readily.

    Dextrose is a fast-digesting sugar, which implies it aids in the rapid replenishment of energy. The body may store Dextrose as glycogen, which is then turned to energy when the body needs it. This assists in the maintenance of energy and ensures the body works properly.

    Yes, Dextrose is the most common carbohydrate and categorized as a monosaccharide, an aldose, a hexose, and reducing sugar. It is also the most abundant sugar in nature. Dextrose or glucose is also referred to as blood sugar since it circulates in the blood at a quantity ranging from 65 to 110 mg/dL.

    People who have diabetes, regardless of the kind, should monitor their dextrose consumption. Dextrose has the potential to raise blood sugar levels and create further complications. Glucose has a glycaemic index of 100, making it dangerous for people with diabetes to consume. Sometimes, doctors advise diabetics to carry a dextrose tablet or oral hydration drink in the form of Glucon- D with them in case they are prone to have an emergency hypoglycemic event.

    No, Dextrose does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Therefore solutions containing Dextrose do not conduct electricity and are classified as non -electrolyte type. However, 5% Dextrose is administered with an electrolyte injection to treat patients with acute hypoglycemia, dehydration or alcohol intoxication.

    Yes, amongst many medicinal and other uses of Dextrose, it is also used as an additive to increase the shelf life of the packed food products. It is used as an additive in cultured form, which means it is produced by mixing Dextrose with the bacteria Propionibacterium freudenreichii. The bacterium is believed to be harmless and is present naturally in dairy products.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Dextrose Dextrose 25% Injection
    2. Electral Dextrose 13.50 gm+potassium chloride 1.5 gm+sodium chloride 2.6 gm+sodium citrate 2.9 gm Powder
    3. Walyte ORS Dextrose 13.50 gm+potassium chloride 1.50 gm+sodium chloride 2.6 gm+sodium citrate 2.90 gm Powder
    4. Coslyte Sodium chloride 2.6gm+potassium chloride 1.5gm+sodium citrate 2.9gm+dextrose 13.5gm Powder