Dextran 40 injection is available as a 10% solution in dextrose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9% in 500-mL preservative-free single-dose flexible plastic containers.513 Each 100 mL of solution contains 10 g of low molecular weight dextran (average molecular weight of 40,000) with either dextrose hydrous 5 g or sodium chloride 0.9 g in water for injection.513 Dextran 40 10% in sodium chloride 0.9% may also contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.513 The flexible plastic container is composed of PVC.513
pH
Dextran 40 10% in dextrose 5%: 4.4 (3 to 7).513
Dextran 40 10% in sodium chloride 0.9%: 4.9 (3.5 to 7).513
Osmolarity
Dextran 40 10% in dextrose 5% has a calculated osmolarity of 255 mOsm/L.513 Dextran 40 10% in sodium chloride 0.9% has a calculated osmolarity of 310 mOsm/L.513
Sodium Content
Dextran 40 10% in sodium chloride 0.9% provides 154 mEq each of sodium and chloride per L.513
Trade Name(s)
LMD
Dextran 40 10% injection is administered by intravenous infusion.513
Dextran 40 injection should be stored at controlled room temperature and protected from freezing.513 The solution should be clear; do not use if crystallization has occurred.513
Redissolution of crystallized dextran in glass containers by heating in a water bath at 100°C or autoclaving at 121°C for 30 minutes has been reported.1484 Because no antibacterial preservative is present, partially used containers should be discarded.513
For a list of references cited in the text of this monograph, search the monograph titled References.