Dextran 70 (Volume expander, Eye lubricant)

Uses

The uses of Dextran 70

Dextran 70 is a solution containing dextran (a polysaccharide or chained sugar) mixed with dextrose or sodium chloride solutions. It is commonly used as a plasma expander for restoring blood volume lost through hemorrhaging and treating hypovolemic due to surgery, trauma, injury, or other causes of bleeding.

Additionally, it relieves dry eyes and irritation as part of eye preparations.

How should I take Dextran 70?

As a plasma expander, Dextran 70 is an intravenous (IV) injection. As an eye preparation, it is available as an eye drop solution.

How do I store Dextran 70?

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. Therefore, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush it down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, do not use it if expired. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Dextran 70?

Firstly, Dextran 70 is contraindicated in case of:

• Hypersensitivity to any ingredients
• Thrombocytopenia

Patients should be closely observed during the first minutes of administration as severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available.

Blood samples for cross-matching should routinely be taken before administration since it promotes the rouleaux formation and thereby interferes with the cross-matching process.

The infusion must be stopped immediately if signs of pulmonary edema develop.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dextran is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and should be used with caution during lactation. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Dextran 70. In addition, Dextran 70 is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

https://wp.hellodoctor.com.ph/pregnancy/being-pregnant/third-trimester/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/

Side effects

Possible side effects of Dextran 70

When given in large amounts (>15 ml/kg), it may interfere with platelet function and produce a transient increase in bleeding time.

Urticaria, nasal congestion, wheezing, tightness of the chest, and mild hypotension are reported and severe anaphylactoid reactions with circulatory collapse have also occasionally occurred.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Dextran 70?

Dextran 70 may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Dextran 70?

It may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

Health conditions that may interact with Dextran 70

This drug may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug.

What is the dose for an adult?

Acute blood loss

500-1000 ml may be infused intravenously over 15 minutes to compensate for moderate blood loss.

Prevention of thromboembolic phenomena

The recommended dose is 500 ml preoperatively, repeated daily for 2-3 days postoperatively.

As part of an ophthalmic lubricant

Carefully instill 1-2 drops as needed into the affected eye(s) using the provided dropper bottle. In addition, do not touch the tip of the dropper with your finger, eye, or other surfaces.

What is the dose for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. Therefore, it is always important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Dextran 70 available?

It is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Solution for injection, Euro-Med Dextran 70 in 0.9% NaCl
• Solution for injection, Euro-Med Dextran 70 in 5% dextrose

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.