Dextran
Description
Dextran is used to restore blood plasma (a liquid that circulates blood cells). It can be used during surgery, trauma, etc. It works by increasing the blood volume and enhancing the flow of blood.
Dextran has common side effects like nausea, vomiting, fever, joint pain, etc. These side effects may subside by themselves. Consult your doctor if they bother you for a longer time or worsen. Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Dextran is given by a qualified medical practitioner, therefore, do not self-administer it. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of the therapy based on your clinical condition. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may worsen your condition.
Dextran is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform all the other medical conditions and ongoing medicine before taking the medicine to your doctor. Frequent monitoring, dose adjustment, or replacement with suitable alternatives will be done by your doctor based on your clinical condition. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine. It is not recommended for use for children less than four months of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dextran
- Chest tightness
- Nausea
- Wheezing
- Joint pain
Uses of Dextran
What is it prescribed for?
- Shock
- Venous thromboembolism
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Dextran to show its action is subject to vary based on the individual and strength of administration.
- Duration of effectDextran remains effective for three to four hours of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Dextran.
- Usage in pregnancy?Dextran is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Hence, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Dextran is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Hence, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Dextran if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any worsening of symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Blood disorders
Dextran is not recommended for use if you have blood disorders due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Severe bleeding disorders
Dextran is not recommended for use if you have severe uncontrolled bleeding disorders due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Severe Kidney disease
Dextran is not recommended for use if you have a severe kidney condition due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Severe congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition when the heart works less efficiently than normal. Dextran is not recommended for use if you have severe congestive heart failure due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Dextran is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Hence, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Dextran is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Hence, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
Other medicines
Dextran may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe side effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Since Dextran is mostly given before and during a surgical procedure, the likelihood of missing a dose is very less.
Overdose
Since Dextran is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by your doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Enoxaparin
Dabigatran
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Dextran is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Dextran works by increasing the volume of blood by decreasing the viscosity and enhancing the blood flow.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Plasma expanders
Schedule
Schedule H
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. DailyMed - LMD IN DEXTROSE- dextran 40 injection, solutionLMD IN SODIUM CHLORIDE- dextran 40 injection, solution. [online] Available at: [Accessed 21 January 2022].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. Dextran. [online] Available at: [Accessed 21 January 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 12 Apr 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.