Hydroxyethyl starch
Description
Hydroxyethyl starch is a nonionic starch derivative which is used to increase the volume of blood plasma in cases of blood loss due to severe burns, injuries, surgeries, etc.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Hydroxyethyl starch
- Itching of skin
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Severe allergic reaction
Uses of Hydroxyethyl starch
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypovolemia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 to 36 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate course after evaluating all the risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate course after evaluating all the risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired side effects is necessary.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Hydroxyethyl Starch or any other related compounds.
Congestive Heart Failure
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering severe congestive heart failure due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Bleeding disorder
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe bleeding disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Severe kidney impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney impairment due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Fluid overload
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with fluid overload due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Hypernatremia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe hypernatremia (increased blood sodium levels) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate course after evaluating all the risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate course after evaluating all the risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired side effects is necessary.
General warnings
Kidney diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of the kidney function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Severe hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with this medicine, which may progress to severe anaphylaxis. In such cases, immediate discontinuation of the therapy is required.
Coagulation abnormalities
Monitoring of coagulation parameters and hematocrit are necessary if comparatively large volumes are to be replaced. Care must be taken to ensure adequate substitution of other blood constituents (coagulation factors, electrolytes, platelets, and erythrocytes) along with Hydroxyethyl starch to reduce the risk of significant adverse effects.
Electrolyte imbalances
Regular monitoring of electrolyte status may be required during the administration of this medicine due to the increased risk of electrolyte imbalances. Appropriate corrective or preventive measures may be necessary in some cases based on the patient's clinical condition.
Liver diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.. Close monitoring of the liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Other medicines
Hydroxyethyl starch may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered by a qualified health care professional in the hospital/clinical setting, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital/clinical setting by a qualified health care professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine will be administered by a qualified health care professional in the clinical/hospital setting. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving therapy with this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It increases the volume of plasma in the blood and helps in maintaining the blood volume.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Plasma expanders
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 7 January 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 7 January 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2019 [cited 7 January 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 28 Aug 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.