Libott 5 gm/100 ml Infusion

Glucose (sugar) used as:

• IV infusion 5%: fluid replacement (provides water with some calories), vehicle for IV drugs, prevention of low blood sugar during fasting
• IV 10%, 25%, 50%: treatment of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), nutrition support; with insulin to treat high potassium (hospital)
• Oral powder: quick energy, treatment of mild hypoglycaemia, nutritional supplement

Low blood sugar, conscious person: 15–20 g of glucose by mouth (oral powder/glucose drink), recheck in 15 minutes and repeat if still low; then a snack.

Severe hypoglycaemia (hospital): adults 10% dextrose 150–200 ml IV over 15 minutes (or 50% 25–50 ml into a large vein); children 2 ml/kg of 10% dextrose IV.

IV 5% fluid: volume and rate set by the doctor according to age, weight and needs.

Oral powder (energy): as stated on the pack, e.g. 1–2 tablespoons dissolved in water.

• Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) or uncontrolled diabetes (except when used with insulin)
• Fluid overload, pulmonary oedema (IV)
• Severe dehydration with high sodium — 5% dextrose alone is not suitable
• Head injury/stroke in the first 24 hours (IV, can worsen brain injury)
• Hypertonic solutions: intracranial or intraspinal haemorrhage, delirium tremens with dehydration

IV: high blood sugar, low sodium and fluid overload (especially with 5% dextrose in large volumes in children and elderly), low potassium/phosphate (refeeding), vein irritation and thrombophlebitis with concentrated solutions, tissue damage if leaked outside the vein.

Oral: usually none; nausea with large amounts.

• In malnutrition or alcohol dependence, give thiamine before glucose (risk of Wernicke's encephalopathy).
• Monitor blood sugar, electrolytes and fluid balance with IV use.
• Diabetes: oral glucose only to treat low sugar or as advised.
• Concentrated solutions (above 10%) should go into a large vein.

Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as indicated (blood sugar monitored during labour infusions).

• Corticosteroids, thiazides (raise blood sugar further)
• Insulin and diabetes medicines (oppose effect)
• Do not give through the same line as blood (risk of haemolysis/clumping)

High blood sugar, glucose in urine, dehydration (osmotic diuresis), fluid overload, low sodium. Medical care needed.

Store below 30°C; do not freeze. Use IV solutions only if clear and the container is intact; discard unused portion.