alcohol + dextrose

Alcohol and Dextrose Injection is a sterile, hypertonic intravenous solution that was historically used as a parenteral source of water and carbohydrate calories. It contains ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and dextrose (D-glucose monohydrate). The alcohol component provides approximately 7 kcal/g and is metabolized in the liver to acetaldehyde or acetate, while dextrose provides 3.4 kcal/g and serves as a direct source of glucose for energy and blood sugar maintenance. Historically available in 5% and 10% alcohol concentrations with 5% dextrose, the FDA determined in December 2021 that these products were withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness, citing the availability of safer nutritional alternatives and the risks associated with intravenous ethanol administration.

Brand names

Alcohol and Dextrose Injection

Other names

Alcohol in Dextrose InjectionEthanol and Dextrose Injectionethyl alcohol + dextrose