Hydroxyethyl Starch: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition, Precautions & More

What is Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• Hydroxyethyl Starch is used in isotonic solution form (6% Hydroxyethyl Starch in 0.9% sodium chloride injection) for prophylaxis and treatment of hypovolemia in adults and children.

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Uses of Hydroxyethyl Starch:

• Indicated for treatment of Hypovolemia

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How does Hydroxyethyl Starch work?

• Hydroxyethyl starch expands plasma volume when administered intravenously as a colloidal solution.

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How to Take Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• Each 100ml of solution contains 6g of Hydroxyethyl starch and 900mg of sodium chloride in water for injection.
• It is administered by intravenous infusion only. The dose and rate of infusion depends on the patient’s blood loss.

Common Dosage for Hydroxyethyl Starch:

• The recommended dose in adults is 50ml per kg body weight per day. The initial 10-20ml should be infused slowly to check for any anaphylactoid (allergic) reactions.
• Dosage should be adjusted in paediatric patients as per need.

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When to avoid Hydroxyethyl Starch and precautions to take?

Hydroxyethyl Starch should not be used or should be used with caution when:

• Allergic to any of its components
• Patients with severe liver and kidney disease
• Critically ill patients including patients with sepsis
• Patients with pre-existing blood disorders
• Patients with intracranial bleeding
• Patients receiving dialysis

Side effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• Commonly observed side effects include:
• Pruritis (itching)
• Increased concentration of serum amylase
• Decrease in plasma proteins
• Coagulation disorders
• Allergic reactions (rare)

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Effects on organs?

• Hydroxyethyl Starch should not be administered in patients with severe kidney and liver disease and in patients with pre-existing volume overload.

Reported Allergic Reactions?

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Allergy with Hydroxyethyl Starch may exhibit following symptoms:
• Rash
• Chest tightness
• Itching
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Drug Interactions to Be Careful About

• Consult your doctor before administering any other drugs concomitantly with Hydroxyethyl Starch. No drug interactions have been observed with Hydroxyethyl Starch as such.

Shows Effects / Results In:

• The time required by Hydroxyethyl Starch to show its desired effect varies from person to person and depends on the volume of blood loss.

Storage of Hydroxyethyl Starch

• Storage at room temperature away from direct heat and light.
• Keep medicines away from children and pets.

Pro Tips When Taking Hydroxyethyl Starch:

• Administration of Hydroxyethyl starch in fluid form can lead to volume overload resulting in cardiac and pulmonary failure. Proper monitoring should be done in such patients.

Also check out: Dimethicone Price | Jalra M Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydroxyethyl Starch addictive?

• No such tendency has been reported.

Can I have Hydroxyethyl Starch with alcohol?

• Interaction of Hydroxyethyl Starch with alcohol is unknown.

Any particular food item to be avoided?

• No such interaction with food products observed.

Can I have Hydroxyethyl Starch when Pregnant?

• Hydroxyethyl Starch should be used in pregnant women only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Can I have Hydroxyethyl Starch when feeding a baby?

• It is not known whether Hydroxyethyl Starch is secreted in breast milk or not thus it should be administered with caution in lactating females.

Can I drive after taking Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• Hydroxyethyl Starch does not usually affect your ability to drive.

What happens if I overdose on Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• It should not be administered in more than prescribed dose or frequency.
• In cases of over dosage, observe the patient and supportive therapy is administered.

What happens if I administer expired Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• The medicine may not work as well as the potency of the medicines decreases and also it may lead to some adverse effects.

What happens if I miss a dose of Hydroxyethyl Starch?

• Always consume the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, if it is already time for the next dose – do not double the dose.

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