Pentaspan

• Pentaspan

• Pentastarch

Classification:

• Plasma Volume expander

Mechanism of Action:

• Polysaccharides with water-retaining properties and intravascular retention
• The colloidal properties make it a useful volume expander
• Intravascular infusion of Pentaspan results in expansion of plasma in excess of the volume of Pentaspan infused
• Expansion exists for approx. 18-24 hours and is expected to improve hemodynamic status for 12-18 hours
• 70% of drug eliminated in 24 hours

Indications:

• Plasma volume expansion in the management of :
  • Shock due to hemorrhage
  • Surgery
  • Sepsis
  • Burns
  • Other trauma
    

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to hydroxyethyl starch
• Bleeding disorders
• CHF, where volume overload is a potential problem
• Should not be used in renal disease with oliguria or anuria not related to hypovolemia
  

Precautions:

• It is not a substitute for red blood cells or coagulation factors in plasma

Adverse Effects:

• Anaphylactoid reaction/hypersensitivity (wheezing, urticaria and hypotension)
• Coagulation disorder or hemorrhage
• CNS (headache, weakness, fatigue, paresthesia, dizziness, anxiety)
• CVS (chest pain, Bradycardia)
• GI (diarrhea, nausea)

Dose:

• Total dose and infusion depends on the amount of blood or plasma lost
• Typical is 500-2000ml ; max 28ml/kg/day
• In acute hemorrhagic shock, an administration of 20ml/kg/h maybe used

• IV

• Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)
• Pharmacology for the Prehospital Provider 2nd Edition