Hydroxyethyl Starch
About Hydroxyethyl Starch
Hydroxyethyl Starch is used to treat low blood volume (hypovolemia). Hypovolemia is a condition in which the body has low blood volume, usually due to excessive fluid loss from bleeding, dehydration, or severe burns. If untreated, it can lead to low blood pressure, poor organ oxygen delivery, and potential shock. The treatment involves fluid replacement with crystalloids or colloids to restore circulation.
Hydroxyethyl Starch contains Hydroxyethyl starch. It draws water into the bloodstream, increasing plasma volume and improving circulation. In cases of low blood volume (hypovolemia), it helps maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion. Its effects are temporary and depend on dose, molecular weight, and infusion rate.
The dose and duration of treatment with Hydroxyethyl Starch may vary depending on your medical condition. Common side effects include itching, reduced plasma proteins, decreased hematocrit, and increased serum amylase. Most of these side effects gradually resolve on their own. However, please consult the doctor if they persist or worsen.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Hydroxyethyl Starch. It is unknown whether Hydroxyethyl Starch interacts with alcohol or not. However, as a precautionary measure, it is best to avoid alcohol to prevent potential risks. Inform your doctor if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems or any pre-existing health conditions and about all the medicines you are taking to minimize the risk of potential side effects.
Uses of Hydroxyethyl Starch
Medicinal Benefits
Hydroxyethyl Starch belongs to the group of medications called plasma volume expanders and is used to treat hypovolemia. It helps replace lost blood volume, improving blood flow and pressure. It supports vital organ function and stability during operations or injury, reducing the risk of shock and fluid loss.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch
- Itching
- Reduced plasma proteins
- Decreased haematocrit
- Increased serum amylase
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have cardiac insufficiency, severe kidney dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalances, as the fluid overload risk is higher. Fluid status and infusion rates should be carefully monitored. In severe dehydration, a crystalloid should be given first. Patients undergoing open-heart surgery should be closely observed, as Hydroxyethyl Starch may increase bleeding risk. Coagulation status should be monitored, and use should be discontinued if coagulopathy occurs. High doses of Hydroxyethyl Starch may affect blood clotting, haematocrit, and plasma proteins. Liver function should be checked due to potential amylase elevation. If you experience hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, stop using Hydroxyethyl Starch immediately. Avoid using Hydroxyethyl Starch in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction and discontinue immediately if renal injury occurs. Monitor kidney function for at least 90 days, as kidney replacement therapy may be required. Prolonged use of Hydroxyethyl Starch may cause severe and persistent itching. Its use in children is limited and should only be under strict medical supervision, with individualized dosage for newborns and premature infants. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications to prevent potential interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac insufficiency, severe kidney dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances (hypernatremia, hyperchloremia), coagulation disorders, liver dysfunction (amylase elevation), hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis), or other pre-existing renal dysfunction and medical conditions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether alcohol interacts with Hydroxyethyl Starch. However, avoid alcohol consumption while treatment with Hydroxyethyl Starch as a precautionary measure to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Please, inform your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Hydroxyethyl Starch passes into breastmilk. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding to evaluate the potential risks and benefits.
Driving
consult your doctorHydroxyethyl Starch is not known to cause dizziness. However, please consult your doctor if you experience dizziness for further evaluation and guidance.
Liver
cautionHydroxyethyl Starch is not recommended in patients with severe liver diseases. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionHydroxyethyl Starch is not recommended in patients with renal impairment experiencing oliguria or anuria unless caused by hypovolemia. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
cautionThere is limited information on its use in children, and it should only be administered under close medical supervision. Dosage will be individualized, especially for newborns and premature infants. Please consult the doctor for guidance.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids to stay hydrated.
- Consume electrolyte-rich foods like bananas (potassium), avocados (potassium), and nuts (magnesium).
- Avoid excessive intake of caffeine.
- Watch for rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or low blood pressure and seek medical help.
- Rest and refrain from strenuous activities.
- Get enough sleep and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia is a condition in which the body loses too much blood or fluid, leading to low blood volume. If untreated, it can cause low blood pressure, reduced oxygen delivery to organs, and shock. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, and decreased blood pressure. Fluid replacement therapy restores circulation.
FAQs
Hydroxyethyl Starch belongs to the group of medications called plasma volume expanders used to treat hypovolemia (low blood volume).
Hydroxyethyl Starch contains Hydroxyethyl starch. It works by drawing water into the bloodstream, increasing plasma volume and improving circulation. It helps maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion in cases of hypovolemia (low blood volume). Its effects are temporary and depend on dose, molecular weight, and infusion rate.
Contact your doctor if you experience allergic reactions such as headache, fever, abnormal heartbeat, or breathing issues. Seek medical attention for unusual bruising or bleeding, as these may indicate serious side effects. Additionally, report any other unexpected symptoms to your doctor.
The common side effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch include itching, reduced plasma proteins, decreased haematocrit, and increased serum amylase. Most of these side effects gradually resolve on their own over time. However, please consult the doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Store Hydroxyethyl Starch at 15°C–25°C and do not freeze. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
