Indications: conditions associated with peripheral local slowing of the blood flow; To expand and maintain blood volume in conditions like shock, burns, fat embolism; peripheral and cerebral circulatory disturbances; prophylaxis of post surgical thromboembolic disease.

Cautions: the compatibility of any additive to this solution should be checked before use. Special care is to be taken in case of a combined dextran therapy with conventional anti-coagulants because of the risk of bleeding.

Contra-indications: Cardiac decompensation, pulmonary oedema, cerebral haemorrhage, renal failure, haemorrhagic diseases, extra cellular fluid deficit, hypersensitivity to dextran.

Side Effects: anaphylactoid reactions may develop after administration of colloid volume replacement fluids.

Normally these reactions manifest themselves on the skin, but in exceptional cases, more serious situations may develop ranging from flush to a sudden fall in blood pressure and possibly even to an immediate circulatory standstill.

Dose: by IV infusion, according to indication, up to 500ml/ infusion.

Max. dose for adults, 2 g dextran /kg body weight/day. Drop rate, 40-80 drops/minute or 120-240ml/hour Child, up to 15ml/kg body weight/day.