glucose sucking

Glucose sucking is a combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention used to manage procedural pain in neonates and infants. It involves the oral administration of a small volume of glucose solution (typically 20-30%) followed by the provision of a pacifier or a gloved finger for non-nutritive sucking. The glucose component acts as a gustatory-induced analgesic by stimulating sweet taste receptors on the tongue, which in turn triggers the release of endogenous opioids (endorphins) in the central nervous system. The non-nutritive sucking component provides additional calming effects by modulating the autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate and behavioral distress. This intervention is frequently studied and utilized by institutions like the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne for minor painful procedures such as venipuncture, heel lances, and immunizations in the neonatal setting.

Other names

glucose and non-nutritive suckingoral glucose for neonatal painsucrose and non-nutritive sucking