Hetastarch is available as a 6% (6 g/100 mL) injection in sodium chloride 0.9% in 500-mL plastic containers.3050 The solution also contains sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment during manufacturing.3050
pH
Approximately 5.9.3050
Osmolarity
The product has a calculated osmolarity of 309 mOsm/L.3050
Sodium Content
Hetastarch 6% in sodium chloride 0.9% provides 77 mEq of sodium per 500-mL container.3050
Trade Name(s)
Hespan
Hetastarch is administered only by intravenous infusion.3050 The dosage and rate of infusion must be individualized to the patient’s condition and response.3050
Hetastarch injection is a clear, pale yellow to amber colloidal solution.3050 The product should be stored at controlled room temperature and protected from freezing and excessive heat.3050 Brief exposure to temperatures up to 40°C does not affect stability; however, prolonged storage under adverse conditions may result in the formation of a crystalline precipitate or a change to a deep brown turbid appearance.3050 Such solutions should not be administered.3050
Containers are for single use; any unused portions should be discarded.3050
Hetastarch is derived from a waxy starch composed almost entirely of amylopectin.3050 Amylose has been shown to associate and precipitate over time in solution.2296 Before hetastarch is used, the colloidal solution should be checked for clarity and particulates and the flexible plastic containers should be squeezed to check for small leaks.3050
Y-Site Injection Compatibility (1:1 Mixture)
Additional Compatibility Information
Other Drugs
The manufacturer states that admixtures of 500 to 560 mL of hetastarch 6% in sodium chloride 0.9% with citrate concentrations of up to 2.5% were compatible for 24 hours at room temperature.3050
For a list of references cited in the text of this monograph, search the monograph titled References.