Parenteral Manual

Pentastarch 10% in NS

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
PENTASPAN®
Classification: 
Plasma Volume Expander
Original Date: 
August 2005
Indications: 
  • Plasma volume expander in the treatment of hypovolemic shock due to hemorrhage, surgery, burns, or other trauma
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Available in 500 mL infusion bags
  • A clear, pale yellow to amber solution 
  • Stable at room temperature, avoid freezing
  • Discard solution if turbid and deep brown in colour or a crystalline precipitate forms
Compatibility: 

- Y-site Compatible: D5W, 0.9% NaCl, KCl, ampicillin

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO
IM NO
IV Direct

NO
IV Intermittent Infusion YES
Infusion rate: should not exceed 20 mL/kg/hour
IV Continuous Infusion YES
Infusion rate: should not exceed 20 mL/kg/hour
Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Pediatric:

  • Average dose: 8 mL/kg/hour
  • Maximum rate: 20 mL/kg/hour

Adult:

  • 500-2000 mL/day (~28 mL/kg/day for a 70 kg patient)
  • The total dose and rate of infusion is dependent on the amount of blood or plasma lost
  • It is recommended that not more than 28 mL/kg/hr or 2,000 mL be infused in 24 hr, use beyond 72 hours has not been studied.
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported (wheezing, urticaria and hypotension) and respond to antihistamines
  • Large volumes will alter coagulation mechanisms, produce circulatory overload, pulmonary edema and/or CHF                                      
  • Headache, nausea, weakness, fever, edema, chills, paraesthesia, shakiness, dizziness, chest pain, nasal congestion
Notes: 
  • Contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders or with congestive heart failure where volume overload is a potential problem.
  • Osmolarity is 326 mOsM/L                                                            
  • pH approximately 5                                                         
  • Each 100 mL of solution contains 10 g of pentastarch and 0.9 g of sodium chloride
  • Use caution when administering pentastarch to patients allergic to corn because such patients can also be allergic to pentastarch

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