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Similac Glucose (Oral)
Generic name: dextrose (DEX-trose)
Brand names: CVS Glucose, Dex4, Enfamil Glucose, Glutol, Glutose, Insta-Glucose, Similac Glucose
Uses for Similac Glucose
Dextrose oral gel is used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) before someone becomes unconscious.
This medicine can be obtained without a doctor's prescription.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Precautions while using Similac Glucose
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 whether you should keep receiving it.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before using Similac Glucose
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the benefits. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. 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 if you have other types of 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 use in children younger than 2 years old.
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 during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. 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 food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
Having other medical problems may affect how this medicine works. 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 Similac Glucose
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Cough
- Difficulty with 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 occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may 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 Similac Glucose
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.