Insta-Glucose

Glucose is a form of natural sugar that is normally produced by the liver. Glucose is a source of energy, and all the cells and organs in your body need glucose to function properly. Glucose as a medication is given either by mouth (orally) or by injection.

Glucose is used to treat very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), most often in people with diabetes mellitus. Glucose is given by injection to treat insulin shock (low blood sugar caused by using insulin and then not eating a meal or eating enough food afterward). This medicine works by quickly increasing the amount of glucose in your blood.

Glucose is also used to provide carbohydrate calories to a person who cannot eat because of illness, trauma, or other medical condition. Glucose is sometimes given to people who are sick from drinking too much alcohol.

Glucose may also be used to treat hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in your blood).

Glucose may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not take glucose tablets, liquid, or gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in these forms of the medicine.

If possible before you receive a glucose injection, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes (unless you are using this medicine to treat insulin-induced hypoglycemia);
• heart disease, coronary artery disease, or history of a stroke;
• asthma;
• kidney disease;
• a possible head injury;
• a history of alcoholism; or
• any food allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with glucose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

If you take glucose gel in a pre-measured tube, be sure to swallow the entire contents of the tube to get a full dose.

Your hypoglycemia symptoms should improve in about 10 minutes after taking oral glucose. If not, take another dose. Seek medical attention if you still have hypoglycemia symptoms after taking two doses.

Glucose injection is given through an IV into a vein. Do not inject this medicine into a muscle or under the skin. A glucose injection should be given only as an intravenous (IV) injection.

A glucose injection should be given slowly. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when glucose is injected.

You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

Use a disposable needle, syringe, or prefilled syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Check the expiration date on your medicine label each time you use glucose. If the medicine has been stored for a long time, the expiration date may have passed and the glucose may not work as well.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when not in use.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Since glucose is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after using glucose.

• If you have an allergy to Insta-Glucose (dextrose gel and liquid) or any part of this medicine.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Insta-Glucose with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Follow how to use as you have been told by the doctor or read the package insert.
• Make sure to swallow Insta-Glucose.
• You may repeat in 10 minutes if blood sugar is still low.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Insta-Glucose or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Insta-Glucose. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017