Glucose / Dextrose
D-glucose
Also known as: Aqupharm · Vetivex · Dextrose · D-glucose · Glucose monohydrate
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Dosing by species
Dosing data for this drug is not yet available in the VetSheet formulary. Every other section below is complete. Consult the current product label before prescribing.
Overview
Glucose (also known as dextrose) is a simple sugar used primarily in veterinary medicine for fluid replacement and as a parenteral energy source.
Dilute glucose solutions (often combined with electrolytes like sodium chloride) are used to replace intracellular and interstitial fluid losses. Concentrated solutions are utilized to treat hypoglycaemia or as part of parenteral nutritional support (in combination with amino acids and lipids).
Clinical Warning: Solutions containing >5% glucose are hypertonic and can be highly irritant if administered outside of a central vein. The 50% solutions are extremely hypertonic (2525 mOsm/l) and must be handled with extreme care.
Mechanism of action
Glucose acts as a direct source of energy for cellular metabolism. It enters cells via specific glucose transporters (GLUT) and undergoes glycolysis → ATP production. In fluid therapy, it also acts as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the intravascular space or providing free water once the glucose is rapidly metabolized.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Use with caution in patients with insulin resistance
- Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus
Adverse effects
- Phlebitis and tissue irritation (with hyperosmolar solutions >5%)
- Severe hypophosphataemia (refeeding syndrome in starved patients)
- Hyperglycaemia
Precautions
Hypertonicity and Tissue Irritation
Solutions containing >5% glucose are hypertonic and irritant if administered other than intravenously. 10-50% solutions are highly hyperosmolar and should be administered through a jugular catheter or diluted appropriately.
Refeeding Syndrome
Glucose infusions may produce severe hypophosphataemia in some patients with prolonged starvation.
Infection Risk
Multi-use vials of 5% glucose or higher rapidly support bacterial growth. Strict aseptic technique is required, and single patient use is strongly advised.
Monitoring
- Blood glucose concentrations
- Serum phosphorus (especially in starved patients)
- Catheter site for signs of phlebitis or extravasation
- Hydration status and electrolyte balance
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Immediate upon intravenous administration.
Distribution
Rapidly distributed into the intracellular and extracellular spaces.
Metabolism
Metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to carbon dioxide and water, yielding ATP.
Elimination
Excreted as carbon dioxide via the lungs and water via the kidneys. If the renal threshold is exceeded, glucose is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Overdose
If glucose loading produces signs of hyperglycaemia, insulin may be added to correct it. Overdosage can also lead to osmotic diuresis, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: sodium chloride 0.9% w/v, glucose monohydrate 5.5% w/v
- Injectable: sodium chloride 0.18% w/v, glucose monohydrate 4.4% w/v
- Injectable: glucose 40% w/v
- Injectable: glucose 50% w/v
Veterinary
- Aqupharm No. 3 (NaCl 0.9%, glucose 5.5%)
- Vetivex 3 (NaCl 0.9%, glucose 5.5%)
- Aqupharm No. 18 (NaCl 0.18%, glucose 4.4%)
- Vetivex 6 (NaCl 0.18%, glucose 4.4%)
- 50% Glucose for injection
Regulatory status
Classified as POM-V, POM-VPS, and POM depending on the specific formulation.
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Multi-use vials of 5% glucose or higher rapidly support bacterial growth. Strict aseptic technique is required, and single patient use is advised. Store at room temperature.
Client information
Glucose (dextrose) is given intravenously to provide your pet with essential hydration and energy, especially if they are suffering from low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or are unable to eat.
- Hospitalization: This treatment is typically administered in the clinic where the veterinary team can closely monitor your pet's blood sugar levels and hydration.
- Catheter Care: The veterinary team will monitor the IV catheter site, as concentrated sugar solutions can sometimes irritate the veins.
- Nutrition: For severely malnourished pets, glucose must be introduced carefully to avoid metabolic complications.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.