What are the common side effects of oral glucose?

• A. Dizziness
• B. Nausea and vomiting
• C. Rash
• D. Headache

Answer: (B)

When treating hypoglycemia with oral glucose, the most common adverse effect is gastrointestinal upset, especially nausea and vomiting. The glucose solution or tablets can irritate the stomach and, for some patients, the rapid influx of sugar in the gut can trigger nausea or vomiting. Dizziness and headache are more often related to the underlying low blood sugar itself rather than a direct side effect of the glucose, and a rash would suggest an allergic reaction, which is not typical for simple glucose preparations. Thus, nausea and vomiting best explain the common side effects.