DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Hetastarch; Dextrose; Electrolytes injection

July 17, 2018

Hetastarch; Dextrose; Electrolytes injection

What is this medicine?

HETASTARCH; DEXTROSE; ELECTROLYTES (HET a stahrch DEX trose; ee LEK tro lites) treats or prevents shock, following serious injury, bleeding, surgery, or burns, by increasing the volume of blood plasma. This medicine is not a substitute for blood. It is used in emergency situations when whole blood or blood products are not available.

How should I use this medicine?

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

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • bleeding or bruising

  • breathing problems

  • confusion, dizziness

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever, chills

  • headache

  • joint or muscle pains

  • nausea, vomiting

  • restlessness

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • pain and burning at the injection site

  • stuffy nose

What may interact with this medicine?

  • digoxin

  • potassium salts

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

  • bleeding disorder or blood disease

  • electrolyte imbalance (such as a high potassium level in the blood)

  • fluid on the lungs

  • heart disease

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be closely monitored while you are receiving this medicine.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018