Dextran injection

What is dextran injection?

DEXTRAN (Gentran®, Macrodex®) treats or prevents shock, following serious injury, bleeding, surgery, or burns, by increasing the volume of blood plasma. Dextran is not a substitute for blood, but is for emergency situations when whole blood or blood products are not available. Dextran also can be used to prime iron lungs and help improve circulation and prevent blood clots during surgery. Generic dextran injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive dextran?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• bleeding disorder or blood disease

• dehydration

• having intramuscular injections

• heart or kidney disease

• fluid on the lungs

• low sodium diet

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dextran, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Dextran is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with dextran?

There have been no interactions recorded between dextran and other medicines.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dextran?

Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive dextran.

What side effects may I notice from receiving dextran?

Side effects from dextran are rare. Allergic reactions to dextran can occur. Side effects include:

• fever

• joint pains, stomach pain

• nausea, vomiting

• pain and burning at the injection site

• skin rash, itching (hives)

• stuffy nose

• tightness in the chest, wheezing

• unusual swelling, not passing urine or difficulty passing urine

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Follow manufacturers advice on storage. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.