# Oral glucose

Adult and pediatric use depends on a safe swallow, intact airway reflexes, and the matching product.

Population: Adult & pediatric guidance. Scope: ALS.
Status: published. Source-linked OCEMS summary.
Summary updated: 2026-09-16.
Source checked: 2026-09-16.
Source version: I-15 revised March 31, 2026; I-20 revised March 26, 2026. Both implemented April 1, 2026. See linked condition-specific sources..
Canonical page: https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/oral-glucose/
Official source: [I-15 — Adult / Adolescent Standing Order Drug Guide](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/healthcare/files/2026-04/I-15%20Adult%20SO%20Drug%20Guide%2004-2026.pdf)

Independent OC Medic summary. Does not replace the complete policy, current system notices, or clinical judgment.

## Check before giving

- Do not administer to an unresponsive patient, a patient who cannot swallow, or one without a gag reflex.
- Monitor for gagging, choking, drooling, or uncontrolled coughing and support the airway as needed.

## Source documents

- [I-15 — Adult / Adolescent Standing Order Drug Guide](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/healthcare/files/2026-04/I-15%20Adult%20SO%20Drug%20Guide%2004-2026.pdf#page=2)
- [SO-B-003 — Glucose Oral Administration](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/hca/files/import/data/files/69066.pdf)
- [SO-M-020 — Altered Mental Status](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/hca/files/import/data/files/12033.pdf)
- [SO-P-065 — Altered Mental Status - Pediatric](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/hca/files/2021-12/SO-P-65%20Alterned%20mental%20status.pdf)

## Use in OCEMS

- Used for hypoglycemia when the patient can safely take an oral preparation.
- ALS and BLS source thresholds differ slightly; choose the applicable standing order rather than treating every glucose-related document as identical.

## Adult / adolescent

| Indication / route | Dose & limits |
| --- | --- |
| ALS hypoglycemia | I-15 lists glucose at or below 60 mg/dL, or 61–80 with symptoms. Give an oral product as tolerated only if airway reflexes are intact. |
| BLS gel / paste | SO-B-003: small portions between cheek and gum on each side, until the tube is empty. |
| BLS solution / tablets | Small amounts of solution until the product is given, or two chewable tablets per SO-B-003. |

## Pediatric

- Pediatric condition orders permit oral glucose only when tolerated and airway reflexes are intact; use their glucose threshold.
- SO-B-003 specifies one tablet for children younger than 12 instead of the two-tablet amount. It does not specify grams per tablet; use the exact product, not an invented gram conversion.

## Pediatric dose by age / weight

- SO-B-003 tablet pathway: the patient must tolerate oral administration and have intact airway reflexes. Tablet strength is not supplied by that source; verify the actual product.
| Age / weight | Dose basis | Amount |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Child younger than 12; any weight | Fixed tablet count | 1 tablet; do not invent a gram dose |
| Age 12 or older; any weight | Use the applicable SO-B-003 product instructions | See the oral-glucose source and adult/adolescent section |

## Preparation & reassessment

- Confirm the medication is intended for oral administration. Concentrations and package sizes vary.
- BLS: ensure ALS is responding/present; reassess mental status and vital signs at 5 minutes and every 5 minutes until ALS arrival. Record product and amount.