Hydroxyethyl Starch
Also known as: Hetastarch, Etherified starch
Hydroxyethyl Starch is a starch that is composed of more than 90 % of amylopectin. Hydroxyethyl Starch is a plasma voluma expander. Hydroxyethyl Starch is used in the managemnt of hypovolumic shock.
Primary Characteristics
Hydroxyethyl Starch is also known as Hetastarch, Etherified starch.
It belongs to Amylopectin.
It is also classified under Plasma Protein Fractions .
Molecular Weight: 50000 · Solubility in Water: null · Solubility in Alcohol: null · Non-proprietary name: Hydroxyethyl Starch.
Pharmacokinetics
Elimination: plasma half-life is 17days, renal excretion is 40%.
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Indications
Hydroxyethyl Starch is primarily indicated in conditions like Burns, Hypovolaemia, Infections, Low blood volume, Shock, Trauma.
Contraindications
Hydroxyethyl Starch is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure, Haemorrhage, Anuria, Oliguria, Coagulation disorder.
Dosage
Hydroxyethyl Starch's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 20 ml/kg/hr | 20 ml/kg/hr | — | 500-2500ml | |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | Safety and efficacy have not been established. | |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
None recorded.
Side Effects
Hydroxyethyl Starch in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Increased serum amylase.
Hydroxyethyl Starch produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylaxis . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
Hydroxyethyl Starch is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Fall in BP , Headache, Itching, Tachycardia.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Hydroxyethyl Starch may interfere in the diagnosis of Increases Serum Bilirubin .
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.11.1 — Plasma substitutes