Provides immediate glucose for cellular energy; raises blood glucose in hypoglycemia; osmotic effect draws potassium intracellularly (when combined with insulin) for hyperkalemia management
At a glance
Class
Hypertonic glucose solution
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia (with insulin), hepatic encephalopathy support
Route
IV (dilute to 25% or less)
Frequency
To effect; then CRI 2.5–5% dextrose in fluids
Max dose
50 mL/dose; 0 mL/day
Duration: Until euglycemia maintained
Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia
Route
IV (dilute to 25% or less)
Frequency
To effect; then CRI 2.5–5% dextrose in fluids
Max dose
10 mL/dose; 0 mL/day
Duration: Until euglycemia maintained
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Hyperglycemia
Phlebitis at injection site
Serious
Osmotic diuresis
Cerebral edema (neonates)
Tissue necrosis if perivascular
Blood glucose (every 1–2 hours initially)Serum electrolytesInjection site for phlebitis
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Dextrose 50% Injection
Various
India
DNS/Dextrose
Claris Lifesciences
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Dextrose 50%?
Dextrose 50% is a hypertonic glucose solution used in pets. Provides immediate glucose for cellular energy; raises blood glucose in hypoglycemia; osmotic effect draws potassium intracellularly (when combined with insulin) for hyperkalemia management
›What is Dextrose 50% used for in pets?
Dextrose 50% is used in veterinary medicine for: Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia (with insulin), hepatic encephalopathy support; Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia.
›What is the Dextrose 50% dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dextrose 50% is typically dosed as follows — Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia (with insulin), hepatic encephalopathy support: 0.5–1 mL/kg IV (dilute to 25% or less) To effect; then CRI 2.5–5% dextrose in fluids. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Dextrose 50% dose for cats?
For cats, Dextrose 50% is typically dosed as follows — Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia: 0.5–1 mL/kg IV (dilute to 25% or less) To effect; then CRI 2.5–5% dextrose in fluids. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Dextrose 50%?
Common: Hyperglycemia, Phlebitis at injection site. Serious (call your vet immediately): Osmotic diuresis, Cerebral edema (neonates), Tissue necrosis if perivascular.
›Does Dextrose 50% need a prescription?
Yes. Dextrose 50% is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Dextrose 50% not be used?
Do not use Dextrose 50% if: Hyperglycemia / uncontrolled diabetes.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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