glucose (oral)
What is the most important information I should know about glucose?
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.
What is glucose?
Glucose is used to treat very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), most often in people with diabetes mellitus. 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glucose?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a glucose product.
Do not take glucose without a doctor's advice if you have diabetes.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to take if you have:
- heart disease, coronary artery disease, or if you have ever had a stroke;
- asthma;
- kidney disease;
- a head injury;
- alcoholism; or
- any food allergies.
Ask a doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take glucose?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
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.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Seek medical attention if you still have hypoglycemia symptoms after taking two doses.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since glucose is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking glucose?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of glucose?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- confusion;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- fever;
- swelling in your hands or feet; or
- sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, chest pain.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect glucose?
Other drugs may affect glucose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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