There is a quick memory aid that will help you remember how much dextrose to give to patients with hypoglycemia. It is commonly known as the 5/2/1 rule, or the rule of 50.
D10 5 mL/kg
D25 2 mL/kg
D50 1 mL/kg
Note that all three, when multiplied, equal 50 (e.g. 5ml/kg x 10 = 50)
Given the hypertonicity of D50 it can be dangerous to give through a peripheral IV. It can cause phlebitis and thrombosis and in pediatric patients it is rarely indicated, especially when D10 or D25 (in bigger kids) will work just as well.
