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Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Glucose monohydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Glucose monohydrate

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

FOR 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP is a solution containing glucose for administration in the form of a vein drip (intravenous infusion). You are given this medicine to provide you with carbohydrates if you are unable to eat and drink normally. You may also be given it in order to raise an abnormally low blood sugar level.

2.

What you need to know before you take it

E 20% W/V GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION BP YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE 20% W/V GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION BP IF YOU HAVE: if you have: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Excessively high blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia) that needs more than 6 units of insulin per hour to be controlled Delirium tremens associated with severe fluid deficit Severely impaired blood circulation, i.e. states of shock and circulatory collapse High levels of acidic substances in your blood (acidosis) Too much water in your body Water in your lungs Acute heart failure Warnings and precautions

When given this medicine, patients who are acutely ill, with pain, postoperative stress, infections, burns, nervous system, heart, liver and kidney, and patients who are on medicines working like vasopressin (a hormone which regulates the amount of body fluids), are at particular risk of developing an

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abnormally low level of sodium in the blood (acute hyponoatremia) which can lead to a lifethreatening swelling of the brain (hyponatraemic encephalopathy, brain oedema). Women of childbearing potential and patients with serious brain conditions like meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain) or brain injury (intracranial bleeding, cerebral contusion) are at particular risk of severe and life-threatening brain swelling caused by an abnormally low level of sodium in the blood. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP. You should not normally receive this medicine if you suffer or you have recently suffered from a stroke except when your doctor considers it essential for your recovery. Your levels of blood sugar, fluids, electrolytes (especially potassium), and acid-base balance will be checked to make sure that these are correct before and during infusion. For this purpose blood samples may be taken from you. If necessary, your blood sugar will be controlled by insulin administration. Before you receive this medicine any existing disorders of your body's fluid and salt content such as:

  • Too low potassium or sodium levels in your blood (hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia),
  • Water deficiency and excessive losses of salts have to be corrected. Your doctor will consider very carefully whether this medicine is suitable for you if you have: ● Diabetes or any other kind of carbohydrate intolerance ● High blood volume ● Any kind of impairment of your metabolism (e.g. after operations or injuries with too little oxygen in your tissues, or with some kinds of organ diseases) where your blood may become acidic ● Abnormally high concentrated blood serum ( high serum osmolarity ) ● Impairment of kidney or heart failure. Your doctor will take special care of you if your blood-brain barrier is damaged, because then this medicine may cause an increase of the pressure within your skull or the spinal cord. Adequate supply of salts (in particular potassium, magnesium, phosphate) and vitamins (in particular vitamin B1) will be ensured. Children Children are at particular risk of the severe and life-threatening brain swelling caused by an abnormally low level of sodium in the blood. Special care will be taken when giving this medicine to children in the first and second year of life, because a sudden stop of high infusion rates can lead to very low blood sugar levels, especially in these children.

OTHER MEDICINES AND 20% W/V GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION BP Please tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Your doctor will take care only to add drugs or additives to the solution that mix well with it. Packed red blood cells will not be added to this solution nor is it infused together with, immediately before or after blood through the same tubing.

2

Your doctor will only administer this solution with caution if you are taking one of the following medicines that work like vasopressin or increase the effect of vasopressin and increase the risk of low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemia):

  • Carbamazepine and Oxcarbazepine used to treat epilepsy
  • Clofibrate, used to treat high blood fat levels
  • Vincristine and ifosfamide used as anticancer treatments
  • Cyclophosphamide to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat depression
  • Antipsychotics for mental health disorders
  • Opioid pain killers to relieve severe pain
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve mild to moderate pain and to treat inflammation in your body,
  • Desmopressin for the treatment of diabetes insipidus (extreme thirst and the continuous production of large volumes of dilute urine)
  • Oxytocin used during labour
  • Vasopressin and Terlipressin used to treat 'bleeding oesophageal varices' (enlarged veins in your food pipe caused by liver problems)
  • 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine, (MDMA, 'ecstasy'), an illegal drug
  • Diuretics or water tablets (medicines which increase the amount of urine)' . PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Pregnancy Your doctor will decide carefully whether or not you should receive this solution if you are pregnant. Your blood sugar will be checked when you receive this medicine. Breast-feeding Your doctor will decide carefully whether or not you should receive this solution if you are breastfeeding your child. DRIVING AND USING MACHINES This medicine has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 3.

How to take it

20% W/V GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION BP The amount of 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP you will be given will be determined by your doctor, depending upon your condition. Your doctor may monitor fluid balance, glucose and electrolyte levels (including sodium) in your blood before and during treatment, especially in patients with increased production of vasopressin (a hormone which regulates the amount of body fluids) and in patients who are on medicines working like vasopressin, because there is a risk of an abnormally low sodium level in your blood (hyponatraemia). See also sections "Special care will be taken with 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP", "Taking or using other medicines" and "Possible side effects". Dosage For adults and adolescents from 15th year of life, the maximum dose is 30 ml per kg body weight per day.

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The solution will be administered to you not faster than at a rate of 1.25 ml per kg body weight per hour For children up to the 14th year of life the maximum daily amount of this medicine will be determined according to their age and body weight.

Pre-term neonates: Term neonates: 1st – 2nd year: 3rd – 5th year: 6th – 10th year: 11th – 14th year:

18 g per kg body weight 15 g per kg body weight 15 g per kg body weight 12 g per kg body weight 10 g per kg body weight 8 g per kg body weight

90 ml per kg body weight 75 ml per kg body weight 75 ml per kg body weight 60 ml per kg body weight 50 ml per kg body weight 40 ml per kg body weight

When determining the dose, the total daily fluid intake will be taken into account, according to the following recommendations for children: 1st day of life: 50 – 70 ml per kg body weight per day nd 2 day of life: 70 – 90 ml per kg body weight per day 3rd day of life: 80 – 100 ml per kg body weight per day 4th day of life: 100 – 120 ml per kg body weight per day From 5th day of life: 100 – 130 ml per kg body weight per day st 1 year: 100 – 140 ml per kg body weight per day 2nd year: 80 – 120 ml per kg body weight per day 3rd – 5th year: 80 – 100 ml per kg body weight per day 6th – 12th year: 60 – 80 ml per kg body weight per day 13th – 18th year: 50 – 70 ml per kg body weight per day Special conditions If you have an impairment of your metabolism (e.g. after operations or injuries, with too little oxygen in your tissues, or with some organ diseases), your dosage of glucose will be adjusted to keep the blood glucose level close to normal values. Method of administration The solution will be administered to you through a small tube inserted into a vein (by intravenous infusion). During intravenous feeding you will also receive other foodstuffs like amino acids for building up protein, fat emulsions, so-called essential fatty acids, salts, vitamins and trace elements, as required.

If you receive more 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP than you should It is unlikely that this occurs because your doctor will determine your daily dose. Overdose may result in too high levels of blood sugar, glucose losses in urine, abnormally high concentrated body fluids, fluid deficit, impaired consciousness or unconsciousness due to extremely high blood sugar or too concentrated body fluids, excess fluid in the body with increased skin tension, venous congestion (heaviness and swelling of legs), tissue swelling (possibly with water on the lungs or swelling of the brain), and abnormally high or low blood electrolyte levels.

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Extreme overdosing may also lead to accumulation of fat in the liver. If this occurs, your glucose infusion will be slowed down or stopped. Your doctor will decide on any further treatment you may need, e.g. administration of insulin, fluid or salts. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) ● Hospital-acquired abnormally low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemia) ● Brain swelling (brain oedema) due to abnormally low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemic encephalopathy). This may cause irreversible brain damage and death. The symptoms include: headache, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, seizures, tiredness and lack of energy Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5.

How to store it

20% W/V GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION BP Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle and the carton labels. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear and colourless or slightly yellowish or if the bottle or its closure are damaged.

6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP contains The active substance is glucose monohydrate. Per litre this medicine contains 220 g of glucose monohydrate, equivalent to 200 g of glucose. The other ingredients are hydrochloric acid and water for injections. 5

3350 kJ/l ≙ 800 kcal/l 1110 mOsm/l < 1 mmol/l 3.5 – 5.5

Caloric value Theoretical osmolarity Titration acidity (to pH 7.4) pH

What 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP looks like and contents of the pack 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP is a solution for infusion (for administration by a vein drip). It is a clear, colourless or slightly yellowish solution of glucose monohydrate in water. It is available in plastic (polyethylene) bottles containing 500 ml or 1000 ml. Pack sizes: 10 × 500 ml, 10 × 1000 ml Marketing Authorisation Holder B. Braun Melsungen AG Carl-Braun-Str. 1 34212 Melsungen, Germany

Postal address: 34209 Melsungen, Germany

Manufacturer B. Braun Melsungen AG Carl-Braun-Str.1 34212 Melsungen, Germany or B. Braun Medical S.A. Carretera de Terrassa 121, 08191 Rubí (Barcelona) Spain This leaflet was last approved in 03/2020. The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Fluid balance, serum glucose, and other electrolytes may need to be monitored before and during administration, especially in patients with increased non-osmotic vasopressin release (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, SIADH) and in patients co-medicated with vasopressin agonist drugs due to the risk of hyponatraemia. Monitoring of serum sodium is particularly important for physiologically hypotonic fluids. 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP may become hypotonic after administration due to glucose metabolisation in the body (see Summary of Product Characteristics sections 4.4. 4.5 and 4.8). Method of administration Intravenous use. For central venous infusion only. Use in paediatric population For treatment of hypoglycaemia in children, use of 10% glucose solution is recommended. For use of 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP in neonates, due account should be taken of the high osmolarity of the solution. Special warnings and precautions for use 6

General Administration of glucose solutions is not recommended after acute ischaemic strokes as hyperglycaemia has been reported to worsen ischaemic brain damage and impair recovery. Application of hyperosmolar glucose solutions in patients with damaged haematoencephalic barrier may lead to increase of intracranial/intraspinal pressure. Glucose infusions should not be started before existing fluid and electrolyte deficiencies like hypotonic dehydration, hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia have adequately been corrected. This solution should be used with caution in patients with Hypervolaemia Renal insufficiency Cardiac insufficiency Increased serum osmolarity Known subclinical diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance for any reason. Unstable metabolism (e.g. postoperatively or after injuries, hypoxia, organ insufficiencies) impairs oxidative metabolism of glucose and may lead to metabolic acidosis. States of hyperglycaemia should be adequately monitored and treated with insulin. The application of insulin causes additional shifts of potassium into the cells and may therefore cause or increase hypokalaemia. Sudden discontinuation of high glucose infusion rates can lead to profound hypoglycaemia due to the accompanying high serum insulin concentrations. This applies especially to children less than 2 years of age, patients with diabetes mellitus and patients with other disease states associated with impaired glucose homeostasis. In obvious cases the glucose infusion should be tapered off within the last 30 – 60 minutes of the infusion. As a precaution it is recommended that each individual patient be monitored for 30 minutes for hypoglycaemia on the first day of abrupt discontinuation of parenteral nutrition.

Clinical monitoring should include blood glucose, serum electrolytes, fluid and acid-base balance in general. A focus should be put on the sodium level as glucose solutions provide free water to the body and may therefore cause or worsen hyponatraemia. Frequency and kind of laboratory testing depend on the overall condition of the patient, the prevailing metabolic situation, the administered dose and the duration of treatment. Also monitor total volume and amount of glucose administered. Parenteral nutrition in malnourished or depleted patients with full doses and full infusion rates from the very beginning and without adequate supplementation of potassium, magnesium and phosphate may lead to the refeeding syndrome, characterized by hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. Clinical manifestations may develop within a few days of starting parenteral nutrition. In such patients, infusion regimens should be built up gradually. Adequate supplementation of electrolytes according to deviations from normal values is necessary. Special attention should be paid to hypokalaemia. Then, supplementation of potassium is mandatory. Electrolytes and vitamins must be supplied as necessary. Vitamin B, especially thiamine, is needed for glucose metabolism. Glucose infusions should not be administered through the same infusion equipment, simultaneously before, or after administration of blood, because of the possibility of pseudo-agglutination. It should be noted that this solution constitutes only one component of parenteral nutrition. In total parenteral nutrition, glucose infusions should always be combined with an adequate supply of amino acids, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements. 7

Paediatric population For treatment of hypoglycaemia in children, use of 10% glucose solution is recommended. Children in the 1st and 2nd year of life are especially at risk for rebound hypoglycaemia after abrupt discontinuation of high infusion rates, see above. Shelf life after first opening the container Administration should commence immediately after connecting the container to the giving set or infusion equipment. Shelf life after reconstitution or dilution From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, inuse storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 to 8 C, unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions. Observe the directions given by the manufacturer of the respective additive or drug to be diluted. Incompatibilities Because glucose solutions have an acidic pH, incompatibilities can occur on mixing with other medicinal products and with blood. Information on compatibility can be requested from the manufacturer of the added drug. Erythrocyte concentrates must not be suspended in glucose solutions because of the risk of pseudoagglutination.

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Frequently asked questions about Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP

How do I take Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP?

Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP comes as infusion. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP?

The active substance in Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP is glucose monohydrate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: 5% GLUCOSE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION SOLUTION, Potassium Chloride 0.15 % w/v and Glucose 10 % w/v Solution for Infusion BP, Potassium Chloride 0.15 % w/v and Glucose 5% w/v Solution for Infusion -BP. In total there are 26 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Glucose monohydrate (60 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

• Administration of glucose for caloric support

• Carbohydrate component in parenteral nutrition regimes

• Therapy of hypoglycaemia

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Dosage

The dosage of the solution depends on the patient's individual glucose and fluid requirements.

Fluid balance, serum glucose, and other electrolytes may need to be monitored before and during administration, especially in patients with increased non-osmotic vasopressin release (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, SIADH) and in patients co-medicated with vasopressin agonist drugs due to the risk of hyponatraemia.

Monitoring of serum sodium is particularly important for physiologically hypotonic fluids. 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP may become hypotonic after administration due to glucose metabolisation in the body (see sections 4.4. 4.5 and 4.8).

Adults:

Maximum daily doses and infusion/drop rates:

Maximum dose

30 ml per kg body weight (BW)  ≡ 6 g of glucose per kg BW

Infusion rate

1.25 ml per kg BW per h  ≡ 0.25 g of glucose per kg BW per h

Drop rate

0.41 drops per kg BW per min

Values for a patient of 70 kg BW:

Infusion rate

87 ml per h ≡ 17.5 g of glucose per h

Drop rate

28 drops per min

Note:

If the oxidative metabolisation of glucose is impaired, which may be the case in the post-operative or post-traumatic phase or in the presence of hypoxia or organ failure, glucose intake should be limited to 2 – 4 g of glucose per kg body weight per day. The blood glucose level should not exceed 6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/100 ml).

Children:

The maximum daily dose, in g of glucose per kg body weight and in ml of solution per kg body weight, is for

Pre-term neonates:

18 g glucose ≡ 90 ml solution

Term neonates :

15 g glucose ≡ 75 ml solution

1st – 2nd year:

15 g glucose ≡ 75 ml solution

3rd – 5th year:

12 g glucose ≡60 ml solution

6th – 10th year:

10 g glucose ≡ 50 ml solution

11th – 14th year:

8 g glucose ≡ 40 ml solution

For use of Glucose 200 mg/ml Solution for Infusion in neonates, due account should be taken of the high osmolarity of the solutions (see section 3).

When determining the dose, the following limits of daily total parenteral fluid administration must be strictly observed:

1st day of life:

50 – 70 ml per kg body weight

2nd day of life:

70 – 90 ml per kg body weight

3rd day of life:

80 – 100 ml per kg body weight

4th day of life:

100 – 120 ml per kg body weight

from 5th day of life:

100 – 130 ml per kg body weight

1st year:

100 – 140 ml per kg body weight

2nd year:

80 – 120 ml per kg body weight

3rd – 5th year:

80 – 100 ml per kg body weight

6th – 10th year:

60 – 80 ml per kg body weight

11th – 14th year:

50 – 70 ml per kg body weight

Method of administration

Intravenous infusion via a central venous catheter.

It should be noted that these solutions constitute only one component of parenteral nutrition. In total parenteral nutrition, glucose infusions should always be accompanied by infusion of sufficient quantities of amino acid solutions, lipid emulsions, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements.

4.3. Contraindications

– Hyperglycaemia, not responding to insulin doses of up to 6 units insulin/hour

– Delirium tremens if such patients are already dehydrated

– Acute states of shock or collapse

– Metabolic acidosis

– Since the administration of glucose solutions is accompanied by the administration of free water, further contraindications may arise e.g.:

– Hyperhydration

– Pulmonary oedema

– Acute congestive heart failure

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

General

20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP is a hypertonic solution. In the body, however, glucose containing fluids can become physiologically hypotonic due to rapid glucose metabolisation (see section 4.2).

Depending on the tonicity of the solution, the volume and rate of infusion and depending on a patient's underlying clinical condition and capability to metabolise glucose, intravenous administration of glucose can cause electrolyte disturbances most importantly hypo- or hyperosmotic hyponatraemia.

Hyponatraemia:

Patients with non-osmotic vasopressin release (e.g. in acute illness, pain, post-operative stress, infections, burns, and CNS diseases), patients with heart-, liver- and kidney diseases and patients exposed to vasopressin agonists (see section 4.5) are at particular risk of acute hyponatraemia upon infusion of hypotonic fluids.

Acute hyponatraemia can lead to acute hyponatraemic encephalopathy (brain oedema) characterized by headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy and vomiting. Patients with brain oedema are at particular risk of severe, irreversible and life-threatening brain injury.

Children, women in the fertile age and patients with reduced cerebral compliance (e.g. meningitis, intracranial bleeding, and cerebral contusion) are at particular risk of the severe and life-threatening brain swelling caused by acute hyponatraemia.

Administration of glucose solutions is not recommended after acute ischaemic strokes as hyperglycaemia has been reported to worsen ischaemic brain damage and impair recovery.

Application of hyperosmolar glucose solutions in patients with damaged haematoencephalic barrier may lead to increase of intracranial/intraspinal pressure.

Glucose infusions should not be started before existing fluid and electrolyte deficiencies like hypotonic dehydration, hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia have adequately been corrected.

This solution should be used with caution in patients with

- Hypervolaemia

- Renal insufficiency

- Cardiac insufficiency

- Increased serum osmolarity

- Known subclinical diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance for any reason.

Unstable metabolism (e.g. postoperatively or after injuries, hypoxia, organ insufficiencies) impairs oxidative metabolism of glucose and may lead to metabolic acidosis.

States of hyperglycaemia should be adequately monitored and treated with insulin. The application of insulin causes additional shifts of potassium into the cells and may therefore cause or increase hypokalaemia.

Profound hypoglycemia may follow sudden discontinuation of high glucose infusion rates because of the accompanying high serum insulin concentrations. This applies especially to children less than 2 years of age, patients with diabetes mellitus and patients with other disease states associated with impaired glucose homeostasis. In obvious cases, the glucose infusion should be tapered off within the last 30 – 60 minutes of the infusion. As a precaution it is recommended that each individual patient be monitored for 30 minutes for hypoglycemia on the first day of abrupt discontinuation of parenteral nutrition.

Clinical monitoring should include blood glucose, serum electrolytes, fluid and acid-base balance in general. A focus should be put on the sodium level as glucose solutions provide free water to the body and may therefore cause or worsen hyponatraemia. Frequency and kind of laboratory testing depend on the overall condition of the patient, the prevailing metabolic situation, the administered dose and the duration of treatment. Also monitor total volume and amount of glucose administered.

Parenteral nutrition in malnourished or depleted patients with full doses and full infusion rates from the very beginning and without adequate supplementation of potassium, magnesium and phosphate may lead to the refeeding syndrome, characterised by hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. Clinical manifestations may develop within a few days of starting parenteral nutrition. In such patients, infusion regimens should be built up gradually. Adequate supplementation of electrolytes according to deviations from normal values is necessary.

Special attention should be paid to hypokalaemia. Then, supplementation of potassium is mandatory.

Electrolytes and vitamins must be supplied as necessary. Vitamin B, especially thiamine, is needed for glucose metabolism.

Glucose infusions should not be administered through the same infusion equipment, simultaneously before, or after administration of blood, because of the possibility of pseudo-agglutination.

It should be noted that this solution constitutes only one component of parenteral nutrition. In total parenteral nutrition, glucose infusions should always be combined with an adequate supply of amino acids, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements.

Paediatric population

For treatment of hypoglycaemia in children, use of 10% glucose solution is recommended.

Children in the 1st and 2nd year of life are especially at risk for rebound hypoglycaemia after abrupt discontinuation of high infusion rates, see above.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interactions with medicinal products with an influence on glucose metabolism should be considered.

Drugs leading to an increased vasopressin effect.

The below listed drugs increase the vasopressin effect, leading to reduced renal electrolyte free water excretion and increase the risk of hospital acquired hyponatraemia following inappropriately balanced treatment with i.v. fluids (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 4.8).

• Drugs stimulating vasopressin release, e.g.: Chlorpropamide, clofibrate, carbamazepine, vincristine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, 3.4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine, ifosfamide, antipsychotics, narcotics

• Drugs potentiating vasopressin action, e.g.: Chlorpropamide, NSAIDs, cyclophosphamide

• Vasopressin analogues, e.g.: Desmopressin, oxytocin, vasopressin, terlipressin

Other medicinal products increasing the risk of hyponatraemia also include diuretics in general and antiepileptics such as oxcarbazepine.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no or limited data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of glucose monohydrate in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

The use of 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP may be considered during pregnancy, if clinically needed.

20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP should be administrated with special caution for pregnant women during labour particularly if administered in combination with oxytocin due to the risk of hyponatraemia (see section 4.4, 4.5 and 4.8).

Careful monitoring of blood glucose is necessary.

Breast-feeding

Glucose/metabolites are excreted in human milk, but at therapeutic doses of 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP no effects on the breast-fed newborns/infants are anticipated. 20% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion BP can be used during breast-feeding as indicated.

Fertility

No special precautions.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

The solution has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

General

Undesirable effects are listed according to their frequencies as follows:

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

(≥ 1/10)

(≥ 1/100 to < 1/10)

(≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)

(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000)

(< 1/10,000)

(cannot be estimated from the available data)

General disorders and administration site conditions:

Not known: Local reactions at the site of administration, including local pain, vein irritation, thrombophlebitis or tissue necrosis in case of extravasation.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Not known: Hospital Acquired Hyponatraemia

Neurological disorders:

Not known: Hyponatraemic encephalopathy

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

Symptoms of glucose overdose

Excessive glucose infusions can cause hyperglycaemia, glucosuria, hyperosmolar dehydration and in extreme case overdose can lead up to hyperglycaemic-hyperosmotic coma. In cases of gross overdosing lipogenesis resulting in hepatic steatosis is possible.

Symptoms of fluid overdose

Fluid overdose may result in hyperhydration with increased skin tension, venous congestion, oedema – possibly also lung or brain oedema – dilution of serum electrolytes, electrolyte imbalances, notably hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia (see section 4.4), and acid-base imbalances.

Clinical symptoms of water intoxication may occur like nausea, vomiting and spasms.

TreatmentThe primary therapeutic measure is dose reduction or cessation of infusion, depending on the severity of symptoms. Disorders of the carbohydrate and electrolyte metabolism are treated by insulin administration and appropriate electrolyte substitution, respectively.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Glucose 20% w/v Intravenous Infusion BP. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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