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Glutol (Oral)
Generic name: dextrose (DEX-trose)
Brand names: CVS Glucose, Dex4, Enfamil Glucose, Glutol, Glutose, Insta-Glucose, Similac Glucose
Uses for Glutol
Dextrose oral gel is used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) before a person becomes unconscious.
You can get this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Precautions while using Glutol
Your doctor will monitor your progress closely while you are taking this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is effective and if you should keep using it.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before using Glutol
In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks and benefits. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Dextrose oral gel is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age.
Geriatric
There is no information available on how age affects the effects of dextrose oral gel in older patients.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before using this medication during breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if there is a risk of interaction. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
Other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:
- Trouble swallowing or
- Unconsciousness—This medicine should not be used in patients with these conditions.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Side Effects of Glutol
Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Hives, itching, or skin rash
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Tightness in the chest
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In the U.S.
- CVS Glucose
- Dex4
- Enfamil Glucose
- Glutol
- Glutose
- Insta-Glucose
- Similac Glucose
In Canada
- Glucodex 100 G
- Glucodex 50 G
- Glucodex 75 G
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Chewable
- Gel/Jelly
- Powder
- Solution
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Nutritive Agent
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Proper use of Glutol
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Carefully follow all of your doctor's instructions when treating low blood sugar.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
To use the gel:
- Twist tip off and squeeze entire contents of the tube into mouth and swallow.
- Do not use the medicine if tube has been opened or punctured.
This medicine is to be used only when needed.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (gel):For treatment of low blood sugar: Adults—15 grams (1 tube) as needed. If no response within 15 minutes, take again another dose. If there is no response within 30 minutes, call a doctor. Children 2 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.