Hypoglycemia Rescue Medications

Emergency & Critical Care

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Examples

dextrose 50%dextrose 10%glucagonoral glucose gel

Prefix / Suffix: gluc- relates to glucose/glucagon

Physiology

The brain depends on glucose. Severe hypoglycemia can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and death if not corrected quickly.

Mechanism of Action

Dextrose directly raises blood glucose. Glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogen breakdown and glucose release when IV access is not available or oral intake is unsafe.

Indications

Symptomatic hypoglycemia
Severe hypoglycemia with altered mental status
Hypoglycemic seizure
Low blood glucose when patient cannot safely swallow

Side Effects / Adverse Effects

Rebound hyperglycemia
IV irritation or tissue injury with concentrated dextrose
Nausea/vomiting with glucagon
Hypokalemia with rapid glucose shifts

Contraindications

Oral glucose when patient cannot swallow safely
Glucagon may be less effective with depleted glycogen stores such as starvation or heavy alcohol use
Drug-specific allergy

Nursing Considerations

Check blood glucose immediately when mental status changes
Use oral glucose only if awake and able to swallow
Recheck glucose after treatment per protocol
Follow with longer-acting carbohydrate or meal when safe
Identify cause such as insulin timing, missed meal, renal impairment, or infection

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Disclaimer: PharmPal Nurse is for education only and is not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make patient-care decisions; always verify with current drug references, your instructor, facility policy, and a licensed provider. In emergencies, call local emergency services.