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Brand Names: Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon

Generic Name: dextran, high molecular weight (Pronunciation: DEX tran)

• What is high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What are the possible side effects of high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• How is high-molecular weight dextran given (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What should I avoid after receiving high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• What other drugs will affect high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?

High-molecular weight dextran is a plasma volume expander derived from natural sources of sugar (glucose). It works by restoring blood plasma lost through severe bleeding.

Severe blood loss can decrease oxygen levels, which can lead to organ failure, brain damage, coma, and possibly death. Plasma is needed to circulate red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Dextran is used to treat hypovolemia (a decrease in the volume of circulating blood plasma), that can result from severe blood loss after surgery, injury, or other causes of bleeding.

Dextran is also used to expand the inside of the uterus, making it easier for a doctor to see with a scope during a diagnostic procedure called hysteroscopy.

Dextran may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• wheezing or tight feeling in your chest;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• unusual bleeding, or any bleeding that will not stop;
• feeling like you might pass out; or
• burning, itching, swelling, or pain around the IV needle.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• joint pain;
• stuffy nose;
• mild itching; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about high-molecular weight dextran (Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose, Gentran 70, Hyskon)?

You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to dextran, or if you have severe kidney or heart disease.

If possible before you receive dextran, tell your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, a blood cell disorder, heart disease or congestive heart failure, kidney disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), urination problems, a food or drug allergy, or if you are on a low-salt diet.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner, steroid medication, digoxin, or a diuretic.

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