Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride

Generic Details

Generic Name

Hydroxyethyl-Starch-Sodium-Chloride

Other Names

  • Hydroxyethyl Starch in Sodium Chloride

Drug Class

  • Colloid volume expander

Chemical Formula

C2H4O2 ∙ [C6H10O5]n ∙ NaCl

Molecular Weight

Varies depending on the degree of substitution

Mechanism of Action

  • Hydroxyethyl starch expands plasma volume by exerting oncotic pressure within the blood vessels.

Indications

  • Treatment of hypovolemia
  • Maintenance of intravascular volume

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 500 ml to 2000 ml infused intravenously over a set period

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage based on weight and clinical condition. Consult pediatrician.

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on renal function.

Side Effects

  • Fluid overload
  • Coagulopathy
  • Pruritus
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to hydroxyethyl starch or any of its components
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Intracranial bleeding
  • Severe coagulopathy

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - use with caution if benefits outweigh risks

Lactation Safety

  • Caution advised as safety not established in lactating women

Drug Interactions

  • May enhance the effects of anticoagulants
  • Monitor carefully if used with nephrotoxic drugs

Overdose Symptoms

  • Severe fluid overload
  • Hypervolemia
  • Dilutional coagulopathy

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care, diuretics, and in severe cases, renal replacement therapy

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature between 15-30°C
  • Protect from light and freezing

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly distributes into the intravascular space
  • Distribution: Volume of distribution correlates with body weight
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the body to smaller molecules
  • Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine

Precautions

  • Monitor for signs of fluid overload
  • Monitor coagulation parameters
  • Caution in patients with renal impairment

Warnings

  • Do not exceed recommended dose
  • Monitor for signs of hemodilution

Others

  • Should be administered by healthcare professionals experienced in fluid resuscitation