Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)

Introduction To Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)

Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) is used for short-term fluid replacement after trauma. It is used in the treatment of hypovolemia that can result due to any injury, surgery, or severely ill patients.

Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) is a large weight molecular substance that remains restricted to the blood vessels and works by producing pressure in the blood which is known as oncotic pressure. This injection must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

You should not get this injection if you have any known allergies to this medicine. Before taking it, inform the doctor you are suffering from any severe heart disease. Your doctor may check your blood pressure and ask you to get regular blood tests done while you are using this injection.

The most common side effects include injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness). To make sure it is safe for you, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor also know if you have any kidney or liver diseases as a dose adjustment may be required.

Uses of Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)

  • Short term fluid replacement after trauma

Benefits of Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)

Short term fluid replacement after trauma
Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) protects the patient from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance after any trauma or injury. Appropriate fluid replacement is very essential to restore normal brain activity and other vital functions of the body to promote healing as well as speedy recovery.

Side effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Tetra Hes

  • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

How to use Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self- administer.

How Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) works

Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) is a large molecular weight substance which remains restricted to the blood vessels and generates oncotic pressure (pressure produced by proteins in the blood).

Quick tips

  • Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) is used to replace fluid loss from the body after any surgery or trauma.

  • Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, hypokalemia (low potassium), kidney disease and edema.

  • Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored regularly while taking Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES).

  • Your blood sugar level will be monitored regularly while taking Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES).

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) if I’m pregnant?

Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) if I’m breastfeeding?

Information regarding the use of Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

sdsAlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Is drinking alcohol while taking Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) safe?

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES). Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I drive after taking Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES)?

It is not known whether Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) if I have/had kidney diseases?

Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) if I have/had liver diseases?

Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Hydroxyethyl Starch(HES) may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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