Antidiabetics

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

8.07 ANTIDIABETICS

Dextrose 50% (D 50W) / Simple Sugar

DESCRIPTION:

• Dextrose is a simple sugar that the body can rapidly metabolize while in hypoglycemic states.

INDICATIONS:

• Hypoglycemia, Alcoholism with coma, and Altered Level of Consciousness.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• None.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Draw blood sample or perform finger stick and determine blood sugar level prior to administration.
• Ensure adequate and patent venous access.

DOSAGE:

• 25 gm IVP AND refer to specific PRACTICE PARAMETER for repeated doses.
• Pediatrics - Dilute D50% to D25% and refer to Handtevy System for pediatric dosage.

Dextrose 10% (D10W) in 250mL Saline

DESCRIPTION:

• Dextrose is a simple sugar that the body can rapidly metabolize while in hypoglycemic states.

INDICATIONS:

• Hypoglycemia, Alcoholism with coma, and Altered Level of Consciousness.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• None.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Draw blood sample or perform finger stick and determine blood sugar level prior to administration.
• Ensure adequate and patent venous access.

DOSAGE:

• 25 gm IVPB (250 mL fluid)
• Refer to Handtevy System for specific dosage.

Glucagon

DESCRIPTION / ACTION:

• Raises blood glucose level by promoting catalytic depolymerization of hepatic glycogen to glucose.
• Onset of action is 8 - 10 minutes.

INDICATIONS:

• Hypoglycemia with no IV access, overdose of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the medication, Pheochromocytoma.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Unstable hypoglycemic diabetics may not respond to Glucagon. Has a positive inotropic and chronotropic action on the heart.

DOSAGE:

• 1 mg IM AND refer to appropriate PRACTICE PARAMETER for specific dosages.
• Refer to Handtevy System for pediatric specific dosages
  • Premie - 4 y/o: 0.5 mg
  • 5 years and older: 1 mg