From the FDA Drug Label
Hyponatremia can lead to acute hyponatremic encephalopathy characterized by headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy, and vomiting.
The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Lactated Ringer’s and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP were identified in clinical trials or postmarketing reports Hypersensitivity and infusion reactions: ... nausea, ... Nervous System Disorders: hyponatremic encephalopathy.
IV glucose may cause vomiting as a result of hyponatremic encephalopathy or as part of a hypersensitivity reaction, as reported in the adverse reactions section of the drug label 1 and 1.
- Key symptoms of hyponatremic encephalopathy include headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy, and vomiting.
- Hypersensitivity reactions may also cause nausea and vomiting.
From the Research
IV Glucose and Vomiting
- The relationship between IV glucose administration and vomiting is complex and has been studied in various contexts.
- A study on the oral glucose tolerance test found that nausea and vomiting were associated with delayed gastric emptying caused by the high osmolarity of the glucose solution 2.
- However, this study did not specifically investigate IV glucose administration.
- Another study found that vomiting in children with diabetes can be a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis, but it did not examine the effect of IV glucose on vomiting 3.
Perioperative IV Dextrose and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
- Several studies have investigated the relationship between perioperative IV dextrose administration and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
- A randomized controlled trial found that IV dextrose administration during emergence from anesthesia was not associated with a significant difference in the incidence of PONV 4.
- A meta-analysis of randomized trials also found that perioperative IV dextrose infusion was not associated with a significant reduction in PONV 5.
- However, the use of dextrose was associated with a significant reduction in antiemetic administration within the first 24 hours of surgery 5.
Diabetic Gastroparesis and Nausea and Vomiting
- A study on the treatment of refractory diabetic gastroparesis found that a combination of symptoms, syndrome, and disease treatment approach improved nausea and vomiting symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis 6.
- However, this study did not specifically examine the effect of IV glucose on vomiting in this patient population.