phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose

Medically Reviewed on 1/6/2023

Generic Name: phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose

Brand and Other Names: Emetrol, Children’s Emetrol, phosphorated carbohydrate

Drug Class: Antiemetic Agents

What is phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose, and what is it used for?

Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is a combination medication used for the relief of nausea and vomiting associated with an upset stomach and morning sickness in pregnancy.

Phosphoric acid is an antacid, while dextrose and fructose are simple sugars found naturally in corn, honey, and fruits. Dextrose is similar to glucose, a form of sugar that can be directly used by the cells while fructose has to be metabolized by the liver first.

Phosphoric acid reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach and neutralizes it. Dextrose and fructose are hyperosmolar carbohydrate solutions that have a direct effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract wall and reduce GI smooth muscle contraction. The combination drug reduces stomach acidity and relieves nausea resulting from GI muscle contractions. Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is available over the counter (OTC).

What are the side effects of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?

Who should not take phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?

  • Do not take phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose if you are allergic to any of the components in the formulation.
  • Do not use phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose if you have hereditary fructose intolerance.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before using, if you are diabetic. The sugars in the medication can increase blood glucose levels.
  • Do not administer to children below 2 years of age.
  • Antacids including phosphoric acid can alter the pH level in the stomach which may interfere with the absorption of some drugs, if taken concurrently.

Common side effects of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose include:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the dosages of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?

Phosphoric Acid/Dextrose/Fructose

Oral Solution

  • (21.5 mg/1.87 g/1.87 g)/5 mL

Nausea

Adult:

  • 15 to 30 mL; repeat dose every 15 minutes until distress subsides
  • Do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour

Pediatric:

  • Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
  • Children 2-12 years: 5-10 mL orally; may repeat every 15 minutes until symptoms subside; do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour
  • Children 12 years and above: 15 to 30 mL; repeat dose every 15 minutes until distress subsides; do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour
  • For maximum effectiveness do not dilute or drink fluids of any kind immediately before or after taking this product

Overdose

  • There is no information on phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose overdose. In the event of an overdose, report your symptoms to Poison Control.

QUESTION

Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See Answer

What drugs interact with phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

  • Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose may be acceptable for treating pregnancy-related morning sickness.
  • There is inadequate information on the safety of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose use by nursing mothers. Use with caution.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC drug, including phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What else should I know about phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?

  • Take phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose exactly as prescribed or as per label directions.
  • Avoid drinking fluids for at least 15 minutes after taking the drug.
  • Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is only for temporary relief of nausea from minor stomach upset. Stop use and seek medical help if:
    • Symptoms persist, return or worsen
    • You require more than 5 doses in an hour
  • Store safely out of reach of children.

Summary

Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is a combination medication used for the relief of nausea and vomiting associated with an upset stomach and morning sickness in pregnancy. Common side effects of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose include abdominal pain, gas (flatulence), and diarrhea. Consult your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Prevention & Wellness

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Medically Reviewed on 1/6/2023
References
https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_childrens_emetrol/drugs-condition.htm

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/childrens-emetrol-phosphoric-acid-dextrose-fructose-999918

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/emetrol-phosphorated-carbohydrate-342054

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fructose-dextrose-and-orthophosphoric-acid-drug-information

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a8469128-592a-4682-82c7-4d2a6f97a998