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Overview: Glucose is used to quickly increase your blood sugar when it is low. It is usually well tolerated. Know the common signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. Keep glucose with you or nearby, just in case you need it. Low blood sugar can be dangerous. It should be treated quickly. Notify your health care provider if you are having severe or frequent episodes of low blood sugar.

Uses

What is glucose used for?

Glucose is commonly used to quickly increase your blood sugar when your blood sugar levels are low (hypoglycemia).

Glucose may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does glucose work (mechanism of action)?

Glucose helps raise low blood sugar levels by giving your body more sugar.

How is glucose supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dex4
  • Glucose SOS
  • Glutose
  • Transcend
  • TRUEplus

Example dosage forms and strengths

Glucose comes in various dosage forms and strengths that are taken by mouth.

How should I store glucose?

Glucose should generally be stored at room temperature, between about 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). You should not freeze it. Storage requirements for glucose may not be provided with the product packaging. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place that is out of reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of glucose?

Glucose is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of glucose that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of glucose?

While less common, the most serious side effects of glucose are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glucose may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking glucose and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use glucose?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take glucose.

  • Dex4
  • Glucose
  • Glucose SOS
  • Glutose
  • Transcend
  • TRUEplus 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you about all the ingredients in the specific glucose products they stock.

What should I know about glucose before using it?

There are multiple forms of glucose available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to take it properly. Products may provide different amounts of glucose. Some products need to be chewed before swallowing. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep glucose out of the reach of children.

Be prepared to treat low blood sugar by keeping glucose or another fast-acting carbohydrate handy in case you need it. People with diabetes who take certain medicines may be at risk of low blood sugar. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise plan, or medicines for diabetes.

For many people, a blood sugar level less than 70 mg/dL is considered low. Low blood sugar can be dangerous. It is important to know if you have low blood sugar, so you can treat it right away. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include the following.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shaky
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Talk with your health care provider about how to prevent and treat low blood sugar levels. Your health care provider can explain when you should take glucose to treat low blood sugar, and how much glucose to take. Tell your health care provider if you are having severe or frequent episodes of low blood sugar.

After you take glucose to increase your blood sugar, you or a caregiver should recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If your blood sugar does not rise above 70 mg/dL within 15 minutes after taking glucose, you may need another dose of glucose or another fast-acting carbohydrate. Examples of other fast-acting carbohydrates include the following.

  • 4 ounces of juice or soda (not diet)
  • 1 tablespoonful of sugar, plain or dissolved in water
  • Candy, such as jelly beans or hard candies (The amount you need will depend on how much sugar the candy has; your goal is to eat 15 grams of carbohydrates.)

Once your blood sugar levels are back to your target range, you should have a snack (with protein and carbohydrates in it) if you will not be eating a meal soon. Talk to your health care provider about the best food options for your snack. Some examples of snack options include the following.

  • Cheese and crackers
  • A sandwich with peanut butter or meat

Glucose should not be given to someone who is not able to swallow or is unconscious. If someone has low blood sugar and is unable to take glucose by mouth, get medical help right away.

What should I tell my health care provider before using glucose?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glucose is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take glucose while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Glucose passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take glucose while breastfeeding

Interactions

Does glucose interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between glucose and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glucose, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Does glucose interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between glucose and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much glucose?

If you or someone else has used too much glucose, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of glucose?

Glucose is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the package directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.