AHFS Class:

40:12 Replacement Preparations

Hetastarch 6% in lactated electrolyte is available in 500-mL flexible plastic infusion containers.²⁸⁶⁷ Each 100 mL of solution contains hetastarch 6 g, sodium chloride 672 mg, sodium lactate anhydrous 317 mg, dextrose hydrous 99 mg, calcium chloride dihydrate 37 mg, potassium chloride 22 mg, and magnesium chloride hexahydrate 9 mg in water for injection.²⁸⁶⁷ The concentrations of electrolytes are shown in Table 1.²⁸⁶⁷

Table 1. Electrolyte Composition²⁸⁶⁷

pH

Approximately 5.9 with negligible buffering capacity.²⁸⁶⁷

Osmolarity

The calculated osmolarity is approximately 307 mOsm/L.²⁸⁶⁷

Tonicity

The injection is an isotonic solution.²⁸⁶⁷

Trade Name(s)

Hextend

Hetastarch 6% in lactated electrolyte is administered only by intravenous infusion.²⁸⁶⁷ The dosage and rate of infusion should be individualized according to the patient’s condition and response.²⁸⁶⁷ The container is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is latex free.²⁸⁶⁷ The product should be inspected for discoloration and particulate matter prior to use.²⁸⁶⁷ If the drug is administered by pressure infusion, all air should be withdrawn or expelled from the container through the medication port prior to infusion.²⁸⁶⁷

Solutions such as this product that contain calcium should not be administered simultaneously with blood through the same set because of the likelihood of coagulation.²⁸⁶⁷

Intact containers of hetastarch 6% in lactated electrolyte should be stored at 25°C and protected from freezing and excessive heat.²⁸⁶⁷ Brief exposure at temperatures up to 40°C does not adversely affect the product.²⁸⁶⁷

Hetastarch 6% in lactated electrolyte is a clear, pale yellow to amber solution.²⁸⁶⁷ Prolonged exposure to adverse conditions may result in the formation of a turbid deep brown appearance or crystalline precipitate; such solutions should not be used.²⁸⁶⁷

Additive Compatibility

Y-Site Injection Compatibility (1:1 Mixture)

For a list of references cited in the text of this monograph, search the monograph titled References.

ASHP^® Injectable Drug Information^TM. Selected Revisions March 31, 2024. © Copyright, 2025. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.