Invert Sugar

AHFS Class: Caloric Agents (40:20)

VA Class: TN101

View the associated Essentials monograph.

Introduction

Invert sugar is a carbohydrate caloric agent consisting of an equimolar mixture of dextrose and fructose.

Uses

Invert sugar solutions are used as a source of calories and water for hydration.

Fat emulsions generally are used in combination with amino acid and dextrose injections during parenteral nutrition. Dosage, route of administration (peripheral or central IV), and concomitant infusion of protein and other nonprotein calories depend on various factors including nutritional and metabolic status of the patient, anticipated duration of parenteral nutritional support, and tolerance of the veins.

For further information on chemistry and stability, pharmacology, uses, cautions, and dosage and administration of fat emulsions, specialized references on nutritional support and the manufacturers’ labeling should be consulted.

Dosage and Administration

Invert sugar is administered by IV infusion. For adults, the usual dosage is 1–3 L of a 10% solution daily.

For further information on chemistry, pharmacology, uses, cautions, and dosage and administration of invert sugar, specialized references and the manufacturers’ labeling should be consulted. See also Dextrose 40:20.

Pharmacology

Invert sugar shares the actions of dextrose and fructose; any purported advantage of invert sugar over dextrose would result from the fructose component.

Chemistry

Invert sugar is an equimolar mixture of dextrose and fructose. Commercially available invert sugar injections have a pH of 3.7–4. Each gram of invert sugar provides approximately 4 calories.

Preparations

Invert Sugar Combinations

Routes	Forms	Strengths	Brand Names	Manufacturer
Parenteral	Injection, for IV infusion only	Invert sugar is commercially available in combination with electrolytes for IV administration.

Selected Revisions January 2006, © Copyright, January 1959, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.