What type of solution is hespan?

HESPAN® (6% hetastarch in 0.9% sodium chloride injection) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution for intravenous administration. Hetastarch is a synthetic colloid derived from a waxy starch composed almost entirely of amylopectin.

When is Hetastarch used?

Hetastarch is used to treat low blood volume (hypovolemia) and to remove leukocytes from drawn blood (leukapheresis). Hetastarch is available under the following different brand names: Hespan and Hextend.

When do you use hespan?

Hespan is used to treat or prevent hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume, also called “shock”) that may occur as a result of serious injury, surgery, severe blood loss, burns, or other trauma. Hespan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Is Hetastarch an anticoagulant?

Hetastarch dosing information Dosage in Leukapheresis: 250 to 700 mL to which citrate anticoagulant has been added and administered to the input line of the centrifugation apparatus at a ratio of 1:8 to 1:13 to venous whole blood.

Is hetastarch still used?

Hextend is currently being used as the fluid of choice for resuscitation in battlefield casualties because of its greater effect on intravascular volume compared with Ringer’s lactate.

How do you give hetastarch?

Hetastarch is given in boluses of 5–10 ml/kg over 5–10 minutes for hypovolaemia, or given as a continuous rate infusion (CRI) of 10–20 ml/kg/day. Like any colloid, Hetastarch can overexpand blood volume if given too rapidly or in large volumes, and is contraindicated in heart failure.

What are the contraindications of epoetin alfa?

Epoetin alfa is contraindicated in patients with serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria, to the product. Immediately and permanently discontinue epoetin alfa and administer appropriate therapy if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.