Dextran, High-Molecular-Weight(dex’ tran)
Dextran 70, Gentran 70, Macrodex
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Plasma volume expander (nonbacteriostatic)
Therapeutic Actions
Synthetic polysaccharide used to approximate the colloidal properties of albumin.
Indications
Adjunctive therapy for treatment of shock or impending shock due to hemorrhage, burns, surgery, or trauma; to be used only in emergency situations when blood or blood products are not available
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to dextran (dextran 1 can be used prophylactically in patients known to be allergic to clinical dextran); marked hemostatic defects (risk for increased bleeding effects); severe cardiac congestion; renal failure, anuria, or oliguria.
Use cautiously in pregnancy and lactation, thrombocytopenia, renal impairment.
Available Forms
Injection—6% dextran 70 in 0.9% sodium chloride, 6% dextran 70 in 5% dextrose
Dosages
Adults
500–1,000 mL, given at a rate of 20–40 mL/min IV as an emergency procedure. Do not exceed 20 mL/kg the first 24 hr of treatment.
Pediatric patients
Determine dosage by body weight or surface area of the patient. Do not exceed 20 mL/kg IV total dose.
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