Dextran
Dextran Information

About Dextran

Dextran are polysaccharides used in place of blood or plasma to maintain blood volume and assist capillary flow.

Indications

Dextran is primarily indicated in conditions like Anaphylactic reactions, Conditions associated with peripheral local slowing of the blood flow, Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, Hypovolaemia, Pulmonary embolism prophylaxis, Short-term blood volume expansion, Thromboembolism, Vascular flow improvement, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Toxaemia of pregnancy.

Contraindication

Dextran is contraindicated in conditions like Congestive heart failure,Haemostatic defect,Renal disease with oliguria or anuria.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Dextran, which give rise to further complications include Renal damage, Acute renal failure, Volume overload, Bleeding.Dextran produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylactoid reactions. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Dextran therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Dextran are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Urticaria, Allergic reactions, Nasal congestion, Wheezing, Oliguria.

Warnings

Do not administer dextran solution if any reaction occur. Urine output should be observed carefully.Intramuscular injection should not be administered to patient receiving dextran. Patient undergoing bowel surgery or who have pathalogical abdominal conditions and in case of sodium restriction should be treated cautiously with dextran. Dextran is classified as pregnancy category C and should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, and Geriatrics.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.