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Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride is used to treat hypovolemia (low blood volume) and to prevent it, in both adults and children. It does not replace red blood cells, and it does not replace the coagulation factors in plasma.
Pharmacology
Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride (6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 in 0.9% Sodium Chloride IV infusion) is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, isotonic solution. It looks clear to slightly opalescent, and its colour ranges from colourless to slightly yellow. The chemical name of Hydroxyethyl Starch is poly (O-2-hydroxyethyl) starch. In this medicine the Hydroxyethyl Starch is present as a colloidal solution, and when it is given intravenously it expands the plasma volume.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Hydroxyethyl Starch is given by intravenous infusion only. The daily dose and the rate of infusion depend on how much blood the patient has lost, on maintaining or restoring hemodynamics, and on the hemodilution. It can be given repeatedly over several days.
Infuse the first 10 to 20 mL slowly and keep the patient under close observation, because anaphylactoid reactions are possible.
Adult dose: Infusions of up to 33 ml of Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride per kg of body weight per day are the most commonly used. Experience with infusions between 33 ml/kg/day and 50 ml/kg/day is limited.
Pediatric dose: The average is 16±9 ml of Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride per kg of body weight per day. In children, the dose should be adapted to the individual patient's colloid needs, taking into account the disease state as well as the hemodynamic and hydration status.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride, seen in more than 1% of people, are itching (pruritus), a raised serum amylase level and hemodilution. Anaphylactoid or hypersensitivity reactions can also occur.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Anaphylactoid Reactions Solutions containing hydroxyethyl starch have been reported to cause anaphylactoid reactions. These include mild influenza-like symptoms, bradycardia, tachycardia, bronchospasm and non-cardiac pulmonary edema. If a hypersensitivity reaction happens, stop the drug immediately. Give the appropriate treatment and supportive measures until the symptoms have resolved. Renal Dysfunction Avoid use in patients who already have renal dysfunction. Stop Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride at the first sign of renal injury. In hospitalized patients, keep monitoring renal function for at least 90 days. Coagulopathy Excess bleeding has been reported with Hydroxyethyl Starch solutions in patients having open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, so monitor the coagulation status of these patients. Stop Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride at the first sign of coagulopathy. Fluid Equilibrium Avoid fluid overload; adjust the dosage in patients with cardiac or renal dysfunction. Check fluid status and rate of infusion regularly during treatment, especially in patients with cardiac insufficiency or severe kidney dysfunction. In severe dehydration, give a crystalloid solution first. In general, give enough fluid to avoid dehydration. Monitoring: Laboratory Tests During prolonged parenteral therapy, clinical evaluation and periodic laboratory determinations are necessary. They are used to monitor fluid balance, serum electrolyte concentrations, kidney function, acid-base balance and coagulation parameters. Monitor liver function in patients receiving Hydroxyethyl Starch products.
Contraindications
Don't give Hydroxyethyl Starch products, including Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride, to critically ill adult patients, and that includes patients with sepsis. These patients face a higher risk of death and of needing renal replacement therapy. Patients with severe liver disease should not receive Hydroxyethyl Starch products either, Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride among them. Expansolin and the other Hydroxyethyl Starch products must not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to Hydroxyethyl Starch. They are also not for conditions with volume overload, or for patients with pre-existing coagulation or bleeding disorders. Avoid Hydroxyethyl Starch products in patients with renal failure with oliguria or anuria, and in patients receiving dialysis treatment. Do not use them in patients with severe hypernatremia or severe hyperchloremia. They must also not be used in patients with intracranial bleeding.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
No adequate and well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Hydroxyethyl starch should be used in pregnancy only if the possible benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus. Doctors also don't know whether this medicine passes into human milk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Too much Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride can overload the circulatory system, and pulmonary edema is one example of this. If it happens, stop the infusion straight away and, if needed, give a diuretic.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride where children can't see or reach it. Don't freeze it, and don't store it above 25°C.
Common questions about Plasmafil 6%+0.9%
What is Plasmafil 6%+0.9% IV Infusion?
Plasmafil 6%+0.9% IV Infusion is a medicine that contains Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride. It is made by Opsonin Pharma Limited. It belongs to the Plasma expanders group of medicines.
What is Plasmafil used for?
Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride is used to treat hypovolemia (low blood volume) and to prevent it, in both adults and children. It does not replace red blood cells, and it does not replace the coagulation factors in plasma.
What are the side effects of Plasmafil?
The most common side effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride, seen in more than 1% of people, are itching (pruritus), a raised serum amylase level and hemodilution. Anaphylactoid or hypersensitivity reactions can also occur.
Can I take Plasmafil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No adequate and well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Hydroxyethyl starch should be used in pregnancy only if the possible benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Plasmafil?
Too much Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride can overload the circulatory system, and pulmonary edema is one example of this. If it happens, stop the infusion straight away and, if needed, give a diuretic. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Plasmafil?
Keep Hydroxyethyl Starch + Sodium Chloride where children can't see or reach it. Don't freeze it, and don't store it above 25°C.
Do I need a prescription for Plasmafil?
Plasmafil is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.