Drug Reference
Hetastarch
Blood substitutes and plasma protein fractions
Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Blood substitutes and plasma protein fractions
- Action class
- Plasma Volume Expander
- Mechanism
- Osmotic Activity
- Chemical class
- Starch
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Brand names
HespanHextend
Available as
500 ML · Injection
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
⚠ Boxed warning
BOXED WARNING BOXED WARNING
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated in the treatment of hypovolemia when plasma volume expansion is desired. It is not a substitute for blood or plasma. The adjunctive use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection in leukapheresis has also been shown to be safe and efficacious in improving the harvesting and increasing the yield of granulocytes by centrifugal means.
How it works
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The plasma volume expansion produced by 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection approximates that of 5% Albumin (Human). Intravenous infusion of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection results in expansion of plasma volume. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection results in expansion of plasma volume that decreases over the succeeding 24 to 36 hours. The degree of plasma volume expansion and improvement in hemodynamic state depend upon the patient's intravascular status. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Hetastarch molecules below 50,000 molecular weight are rapidly eliminated by renal excretion. A single dose of approximately 500 mL of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (approximately 30 g) results in elimination in the urine of approximately 33% of the dose within 24 hours. This is a variable process but generally results in an intravascular hetastarch concentration of less than 10% of the total dose injected by two weeks. A study of the biliary excretion of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection in 10 healthy males accounted for less than 1% of the dose over a 14 day period. The hydroxyethyl group is not cleaved by the body but remains intact and attached to glucose units when excreted. Significant quantities of glucose are not produced as hydroxyethylation prevents complete metabolism of the smaller polymers. The addition of hetastarch to whole blood increases the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Therefore, 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is used to improve the efficiency of granulocyte collection by centrifugal means.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Dosage for Acute Use in Plasma Volume Expansion 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is administered by intravenous infusion only. Total dosage and rate of infusion depend upon the amount of blood or plasma lost and the resultant hemoconcentration. 2.1 Adults The amount usually administered is 500 to 1000 mL. Doses of more than 1500 mL per day for the typical 70 kg patient (approximately 20 mL per kg of body weight) are usually not required. Higher doses have been reported in postoperative and trauma patients where severe blood loss has occurred [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5 )]. 2.2 Leukapheresis 250 to 700 mL of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection with citrate anticoagulant is administered by aseptic addition to the input line of the centrifugation apparatus at a ratio of 1:8 to 1:13 to venous whole blood. The 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection and citrate should be thoroughly mixed to assure effective anticoagulation of blood as it flows through the leukapheresis machine. 2.3 Direction for use for 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection • Do not use plastic container in series connection. If administration is controlled by a pumping device, care must be taken to discontinue pumping action before the container runs dry or air embolism may result. If administration is not controlled by a pumping device, refrain from applying excessive pressure (>300mmHg) causing distortion to the container such as wringing or twisting. Such handling could result in breakage of the container. • Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Use only if solution is clear and container and seals are intact. • Intended for intravenous administration using sterile equipment. It is recommended that intravenous administration apparatus be replaced at least once every 24 hours. • Withdraw or expel all air from the bag through the medication port prior to infusion if administration is by pressure infusion. • For single use only. The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffers (except for pH adjustment) and is intended only for single-dose injection. When smaller doses are required the unused portion should be discarded. CAUTION: Before administering to the patient, review these directions: Visual Inspection • Do not remove the plastic infusion container from its overwrap until immediately before use. • Inspect each container. Read the label. Ensure solution is the one ordered and is within the expiration date. • Invert container and carefully inspect the solution in good light for cloudiness, haze, or particulate matter. • Any container which is suspect should not be used. To Open 1. Tear overwrap down at notch and remove solution container. 2. Check for minute leaks by squeezing solution container firmly. 3. If any leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired. Preparation for Administration 1. Remove plastic protector from sterile set port at bottom of container. 2. Attach administration set. Refer to complete directions accompanying set. When stored at room temperature, 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection admixtures of 500-560 mL with citrate concentrations up to 2.5% were compatible for 24 hours. The safety and compatibility of additives other than citrate have not been established.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The serious adverse events reported in clinical trials are increased mortality and renal replacement therapy renal in critically ill patients. Most common adverse reactions are hypersensitivity, coagulopathy, hemodilution, circulatory overload and metabolic acidosis. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) followed critically ill adult patients treated with different HES products for 90 days. One trial (N=804) in severe sepsis patients using HES product (not approved in the U.S.) reported increased mortality (relative risk, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.36; p=0.03) and RRT (relative risk, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.80; p=0.04) in the HES treatment arm.4 Another trial (N=196) using different HES in severe sepsis patients reported no difference in mortality (relative risk, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.74; p=0.33) and a trend for RRT (relative risk, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.93 to 3.59; p=0.06) in HES patients.5 A third trial (N=7000) using different HES in a heterogeneous patient population consisting of critically ill adult patients admitted to the ICU reported no difference in mortality (relative risk, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.18; p=0.26) but increased use of RRT (relative risk, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.45; p=0.04) in HES patients.6 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily post-approval from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency of these reactions or establish a causal relationship to product exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified and reported during the post-approval use of HES products: Mortality Renal need for renal replacement therapy Hypersensitivity reactions including death, life-threatening anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, severe hypotension, non-cardiac pulmonary edema, laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, angioedema, wheezing, restlessness, tachypnea, stridor, fever, chest pain, bradycardia, tachycardia, shortness of breath, chills, urticaria, pruritus, facial and periorbital edema, coughing, sneezing, flushing, erythema multiforme, and rash [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)]. Cardiovascular reactions including circulatory overload, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary edema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)]. Hematologic reactions including intracranial bleeding, bleeding and/or anemia due to hemodilution [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] and/or Factor VIII deficiency, acquired von Willebrand's-like syndrome, and coagulopathy including rare cases of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and hemolysis. Metabolic reactions including metabolic acidosis. Other reactions including vomiting, peripheral edema of the lower extremities, submaxillary and parotid glandular enlargement, mild influenza-like symptoms, headaches, and muscle pains. Hydroxyethyl starch-associated pruritus has been reported in some patients with deposits of hydroxyethyl starch in peripheral nerves.
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyCaution
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Hetastarch has been shown to have an embryocidal effect on New Zealand rabbits when given intravenously over the entire organogenesis period in a daily dose 1/2 times the maximum…
BreastfeedingCaution
…8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether hetastarch is excreted in human milk.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Renal Dysfunction •…
LiverCaution
…in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, in patients with severe liver disease •…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Renal Dysfunction • Avoid use in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction • Discontinue use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection at the first sign of renal injury • Continue to monitor renal function in hospitalized patients for at least 90 days as use of RRT has been reported up to 90 days after administration of HES products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 5.2 Coagulopathy • 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is not recommended for use as a cardiac bypass pump prime, while the patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass, or in the immediate period after the pump has been discontinued because of the risk of increasing coagulation abnormalities and bleeding in patients whose coagulation status is already impaired. Discontinue use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection at first sign of coagulopathy 1-2 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection has not been adequately evaluated to establish its safety in uses over extended periods other than leukapheresis. 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection has been associated with coagulation abnormalities in conjunction with an acquired, reversible von Willebrand's-like syndrome and/or Factor VIII deficiency when used over a period of days. Replacement therapy should be considered if a severe Factor VIII deficiency is identified. If a coagulopathy develops, it may take several days to resolve. Certain conditions may affect the safe use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection on a chronic basis. For example, in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage where 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is used repeatedly over a period of days for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm, significant clinical bleeding may occur. Intracranial bleeding resulting in death has been reported.3 Slight declines in platelet counts and hemoglobin levels have been observed in donors undergoing repeated leukapheresis procedures using 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection due to the volume expanding effects of hetastarch and to the collection of platelets and erythrocytes. Hemoglobin levels usually return to normal within 24 hours. Hemodilution by 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection may also result in 24 hour declines of total protein, albumin, calcium, and fibrinogen levels. Regular and frequent clinical evaluation and complete blood counts (CBC) are necessary for proper monitoring of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection use during leukapheresis. If the frequency of leukapheresis is to exceed the guidelines for whole blood donation, you may wish to consider the following additional tests: total leukocyte and platelet counts, leukocyte differential count, hemoglobin and hematocrit, prothrombin time (PT), and partial thromboplastin time (PTT). 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Life threatening anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including death have been rarely reported with 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Patients may develop hypersensitivity reaction to corn starch from which this product is made. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, administration of the drug should be discontinued immediately and the appropriate treatment and supportive measures should be undertaken until symptoms have resolved. 5.4 Circulatory Overload 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection has not been adequately evaluated to establish its safety in situations other than treatment of hypovolemia in elective surgery. Large volumes of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection may transiently alter the coagulation mechanism due to hemodilution and a direct inhibitory action on Factor VIII. Administration of volumes of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection that are greater than 25% of the blood volume in less than 24 hours may cause significant hemodilution reflected by lower hematocrit and plasma protein values. Administration of packed red cells,
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Do not use hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, in critically ill adult patients, including patients with sepsis, due to increased risk of mortality and renal replacement therapy (RRT). • Do not use HES products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, in patients with severe liver disease • Do not use HES products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, in patients with known hypersensitivity to hydroxyethyl starch • Do not use HES products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, in clinical conditions where volume overload is a potential problem (such as, congestive heart failure or renal disease with anuria or oliguria not related to hypovolemia). • Do not use HES products, including 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, in patients with pre-existing coagulation or bleeding disorders
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection should be used with caution in patients who have been anticoagulated with other drugs that negatively influence the coagulation system. • The safety and compatibility of other additives have not been established.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- HEXTEND (HETASTARCH) INJECTION, SOLUTION [HOSPIRA, INC.]
- HETASTARCH IN SODIUM CHLORIDE (HETASTARCH) INJECTION, SOLUTION [HOSPIRA, INC.]
- CARBAMAZEPINE TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE [TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED]
- HEMATOPOIETIC PROGENITOR CELLS, CORD BLOOD (HUMAN CORD BLOOD HEMATOPOIETIC PROGENITOR CELL) LIQUID [CLINIMMUNE LABS, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BLOOD BANK]
- 6% HETASTARCH IN 0.9% SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION, SOLUTION [HF ACQUISITION CO LLC, DBA HEALTHFIRST]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.