Voluven

• Voluven

• Hetastarch

Classification:

• Plasma volume expander

Mechanism of Action:

• Colloidal properties makes it a useful volume expander
• Isovolemic exchange of blood maintains volume for at least 6 hours

Indications:

• For the treatment of hypovolemia when plasma volume expansion is required

Contraindications:

• Intracranial bleeding
• Hyperhydration (especially in case of pulmonary edema and CHF)
• Renal failure with oliguria or anuria not related to hypovolemia
• Dialysis treatment
• Severe Hypernatremia or hyperchloremia
• Known hypersensitivity to hydroxyethyl starch

Precautions:

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

Adverse Effects:

• Anaphylactoid/Hypersensitivity (rare)
  • Mild influenza-like symptoms, Bradycardia, tachycardia, bronchospasm and non-cardiac- pulmonary edema
• Disturbance of blood coagulation (rare)
• Mild and self-limiting pruritus

Dose:

• 33 ml/kg/day
• Can be administered repetitively over several days

• IV

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