hextend

Hextend is a plasma volume expander used to treat or prevent hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume), particularly in settings of serious injury, surgery, severe blood loss, burns, or other trauma when alternative treatments are unavailable[1][5][7]. It is an artificial colloidal solution containing 6% hetastarch (a synthetic polymer derived from amylopectin) dissolved in a balanced electrolyte and lactate buffer solution[3][6]. Hetastarch acts as an oncotic agent to retain intravascular fluid until it is replaced by endogenous proteins. The formulation also provides physiological levels of sodium and other electrolytes. Hextend increases the circulating blood volume by expanding plasma volume but does not substitute for lost red cells or clotting factors. Its mechanism involves increasing oncotic pressure within the vasculature to support circulatory stability during acute hypovolemia[3][4]. Hextend carries risks including kidney injury, coagulopathy (bleeding disorders), and increased mortality compared with some alternatives; its use should be limited to situations where safer options are not available[5][10].

Brand names

Hextend

Other names

hetastarch in lactated electrolyte injection6% hetastarch in lactated electrolyte solutionhydroxyethyl starch in lactated electrolytes