Adult Dosing
Plasma volume expansion (Hypovolemia)
- 30–60 G (500–1000 mL of 6% solution) IV, may repeat PRN; Max: 90 G (1500 mL/day) IV
- Acute hemorrhagic shock: 20 mL/kg/hr may be used
Leukapheresis
- 250–700 mL IV at a constant fixed ratio of 1:8 to 1:13 to venous whole blood
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
- Therapy may cause anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions leading to death. Suspend therapy if such reactions occur
- Therapy is not indicated for treatment of hypovolemia in elective surgery
- Due to the risk of increasing coagulation abnormalities and bleeding in patients whose coagulation status is already impaired, therapy is not indicated for use as a cardiac bypass pump prime, while the patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass, or in the immediate period after the pump has been discontinued
- Long term use may cause coagulation abnormalities in conjunction with an acquired, reversible von Willebrand's-like syndrome and/or Factor VIII deficiency. Replacement therapy should be considered if a severe Factor VIII deficiency is identified
- Patients undergoing repeated leukapheresis procedures using hetastarch injection may experience slight declines in platelet counts and hemoglobin
- Regular and frequent clinical evaluation and complete blood counts (CBC) should be done during the therapy
- Elevated serum amylase levels may be observed temporarily following administration of hetastarch injection
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Patients allergic to corn
- Thrombocytopenia
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown. Manufacturer advises caution.
