Hextend

Hetastarch · Injection, Solution · Intravenous

Prescription (Rx) Plasma Volume Expander 1 recall

Boxed warning. WARNING: MORTALITY; KIDNEY INJURY; COAGULOPATHY
• Use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products, including HEXTEND ® , increases risk of o Mortality o Kidney injury o Coagulopathy DO NOT use HES products, including HEXTEND ® , unless adequate alternative treatment is unavailable.

Uses

(6% Hetastarch in Lactated Electrolyte Injection) is indicated in the treatment of hypovolemia when plasma volume expansion is desired in settings where adequate alternative treatment is unavailable. It is not a substitute for blood or plasma.

Dosage and administration

Dosage for Acute Use in Plasma Volume Expansion HEXTEND is administered by intravenous infusion only. Total dosage and rate of infusion depend upon the amount of blood or plasma lost and the resultant hemoconcentration as well as age, weight, and clinical condition of the patient. Adults: The amount usually administered is 500 to 1000 mL. Doses of more than 1500 mL per day for the typical 70 kg patient (approximately 20 mL per kg of body weight) are usually not required although doses of isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch up to 1500 mL have been used during major surgery generally without a need for blood or blood products. Volumes in excess of 1500 mL per day have been used where severe blood loss has occurred although generally only in conjunction with the administration of blood and blood products (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ). Pediatric Patients: Adequate, well controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of HEXTEND in pediatric patients have not been conducted (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Pediatric Use ). General Recommendations Do not use plastic container in series connection. If administration is controlled by a pumping device, care must be taken to discontinue pumping action before the container runs dry or air embolism may result. This solution is intended for intravenous administration using sterile equipment. It is recommended that intravenous administration apparatus be replaced at least once every 24 hours. Use only if solution is clear and container and seals are intact. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. If administration is by pressure infusion, all air should be withdrawn or expelled from the bag through the medication port prior to infusion. The safety and compatibility of other additives have not been established. This product contains calcium and should not be administered simultaneously with blood through the same administration set because of the likelihood of coagulation (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ). The solution contains no bacteriostat or antimicrobial agent and is intended only for single-dose injection. When smaller doses are required, the unused portion should be discarded.

Contraindications

Do not use HES products, including HEXTEND, unless adequate alternative treatment is unavailable.

Warnings and precautions

• Increased risk of mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients, including patients with sepsis; surgical patients; and blunt trauma patients
• Avoid use in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction
• Discontinue use of HEXTEND at the first sign of renal injury
• Continue to monitor renal function for at least 90 days as use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) has been reported up to 90 days after administration of HES products
• Monitor the coagulation status of surgery patients, as excess bleeding has been reported with HES solutions in this population. Discontinue use of HEXTEND at the first sign of coagulopathy
• Monitor liver function in patients receiving HES products, including HEXTEND Solutions containing calcium should not be administered simultaneously with blood through the same administration set because of the likelihood of coagulation. Life threatening anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions have been rarely reported with solutions containing hetastarch; death has occurred, but a causal relationship has not been established. Patients who develop severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions may need continued supportive care until symptoms have resolved. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur even after solutions containing hetastarch have been discontinued. Solutions which contain potassium should be used with great care, if at all, in patients with hyperkalemia and severe renal failure and in situations in which potassium retention is present. Solutions containing sodium ions should be used with great care, if at all, in patients with congestive heart failure and severe renal insufficiency and in clinical states in which edema with sodium retention occurs. In patients with diminished renal function, administration of solutions containing sodium or potassium ions may result in sodium or potassium retention. Solutions containing lactate ions should be used with great care in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. The administration of lactate ions should be performed with great care when dealing with conditions in which an increased level or an impaired utilization of these ions occurs, such as severe hepatic insufficiency. DO NOT USE IN LEUKAPHERESIS. Usage in Plasma Volume Expansion Large volumes of isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch (HEXTEND or 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection) may transiently alter the coagulation mechanism due to hemodilution and a direct inhibitory action on Factor VIII. Hemodilution by isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch may also result in a 24 hour decline of total protein, albumin, and fibrinogen levels and in transient prolongation of prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin, clotting, and bleeding times. Increased bleeding has been reported in patients undergoing open heart surgery in association with cardiopulmonary bypass following the use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. 5,6 Although the electrolyte content of HEXTEND resembles that of the principal ionic constituents of normal plasma, its 6% Hetastarch component is identical to that of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection and has a direct inhibitory action on Factor VIII. There are no retrospective studies similar to those with 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection that compare HEXTEND to albumin in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery nor have any adequate and well-controlled clinical studies been performed. Hematocrit may be decreased and plasma proteins diluted excessively by administration of large volumes of isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch. Administration of packed red cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma should be considered if excessive dilution occurs. In randomized, controlled, comparative studies of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (n = 92) and Albumin (n = 85) in surgical patients, no patient in either treatment group had a bleeding complication and no significant difference was found in the amount of blood loss between the treatment groups. 1-4 HEXTEND has not been adequately evaluated to establish its safety in situations other than treatment of hypovolemia in elective surgery. In some cases, the use of isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch has been associated with coagulation abnormalities in conjunction with an acquired, reversible von Willebrand's-like syndrome and/or Factor VIII deficiency when used over a period of days. Replacement therapy should be considered if a severe Factor VIII or von Willebrand deficiency is identified. If a coagulopathy develops, it may take several days to resolve. Certain conditions may affect the safe use of isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch on a chronic basis. For example, in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage where an isotonic solution containing 6% hetastarch is used repeatedly over a period of days for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm, significant clinical bleeding may occur. Intracranial bleeding resulting in death has been reported with the use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. 7 The possibility of circulatory overload should be kept in mind. Caution should be used when the risk of pulmonary edema and/or congestive heart failure is increased. Special care should be exercised in patients who have impaired renal clearance since this is the principal way in which hetastarch is eliminated and in clinical states in which edema with sodium retention occurs. Indirect bilirubin levels of 8.3 mg/L (normal 0.0-7.0 mg/L) have been reported in 2 out of 20 normal subjects who received multiple infusions of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Total bilirubin was within normal limits at all times; indirect bilirubin returned to normal by 96 hours following the final infusion.

Side effects

Serious adverse reactions reported in postmarketing clinical trials include increased mortality and AKI (including need for RRT) in critically ill subjects, including subjects with sepsis, and surgical subjects. Clinical trials have also shown increased mortality and AKI in blunt trauma subjects. Increased coagulopathy was reported in surgical subjects. In clinical trials comparing the plasma volume expanding properties of HEXTEND (n=60) with those of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (n=59), there were no significant differences in the number of adverse or serious adverse events between the two groups. Reported adverse reactions with isotonic solutions containing 6% hetastarch include: General Hypersensitivity (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ). Death, life-threatening anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, severe hypotension, non-cardiac pulmonary edema, laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, angioedema, wheezing, restlessness, tachypnea, stridor, fever, chest pain, bradycardia, tachycardia, shortness of breath, chills, urticaria, pruritus, facial and periorbital edema, coughing, sneezing, flushing, erythema multiforme, and rash. Cardiovascular Circulatory overload, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary edema (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ). Hematologic Intracranial bleeding, bleeding and/or anemia due to hemodilution (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ) and/or Factor VIII deficiency, acquired von Willebrand's-like syndrome, and coagulopathy including rare cases of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and hemolysis. With extensive clinical use of 6% Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, rare cases of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and hemolysis have been observed. Metabolic Metabolic acidosis. Other Vomiting, peripheral edema of the lower extremities, submaxillary and parotid glandular enlargement, mild influenza-like symptoms, headaches, and muscle pains. Hydroxyethyl starch-associated pruritus has been reported in some patients with deposits of hydroxyethyl starch in peripheral nerves.

Description

HEXTEND ® (6% Hetastarch in Lactated Electrolyte Injection) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution for intravenous administration. The composition, pH, and osmolarity are given in Table 1 and the electrolyte composition in Table 2 . Table 1 Each 100 mL contains Hetastarch 6 g Sodium Chloride, USP 672 mg Sodium Lactate Anhydrous, USP 317 mg Dextrose Hydrous, USP 99 mg Calcium Chloride Dihydrate, USP 37 mg Potassium Chloride, USP 22 mg Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate, USP 9 mg Water for Injection, USP qs pH: approximately 5.9 with negligible buffering capacity Calculated Osmolarity: approximately 307 mOsM Table 2 Concentration of Electrolytes (mEq/L) Sodium 143 Chloride 124 Lactate 28 Calcium 5 Potassium 3 Magnesium 0.9 HEXTEND (6% Hetastarch in Lactated Electrolyte Injection) is an artificial colloidal solution, pharmacologically classified as a plasma volume expander, and is intended to support oncotic pressure as well as provide electrolytes. HEXTEND contains high molecular weight hetastarch at a concentration of 6% as an oncotic agent to permit retention of intravascular fluid until the hetastarch is replaced by blood proteins. Hetastarch is an artificial colloid derived from a waxy starch composed almost entirely of amylopectin. Hydroxyethyl ether groups are introduced into the glucose units of the starch, and the resultant material is hydrolyzed to yield a product with a molecular weight suitable for use as a plasma volume expander. Hetastarch is characterized by its molar substitution and also by its molecular weight. The molar substitution is approximately 0.75 which means hetastarch has an average of approximately 75 hydroxyethyl groups for every 100 glucose units. The weight average molecular weight is approximately 670,000 with a range of 450,000 to 800,000 and with at least 80% of the polymer units falling within the range of 20,000 to 2,500,000. Hydroxyethyl groups are attached by ether linkage primarily at C-2 of the glucose unit and to a lesser extent at C-3 and C-6. The polymer resembles glycogen, and the polymerized D-glucose units are joined primarily by α-1,4 linkages with occasional α-1,6 branching linkages. The degree of branching is approximately 1:20 which means that there is an average of approximately one α-1,6 branch for every 20 glucose monomer units. The chemical name for hetastarch is hydroxyethyl starch. The structural formula is as follows: Amylopectin derivative in which R 2 and R 3 are H or CH 2 CH 2 OH and R 6 is H, CH 2 CH 2 OH, or a branching point in the starch polymer connected through an α-1,6 link to additional D-glucopyranosyl units HEXTEND is a clear, pale yellow to amber solution. Exposure to prolonged adverse storage conditions may result in a change to a turbid deep brown or the formation of a crystalline precipitate. Do not use the solution if these conditions are evident. HEXTEND is formulated with normal physiological levels of calcium. Calcium chloride in water dissociates to provide calcium (Ca ++ ) and chloride (Cl - ) ions. These are the normal constituents of the body fluids and are dependent on various physiologic mechanisms for maintenance of balance between intake and output. Approximately 80% of body calcium is excreted in the feces as insoluble salts; urinary excretion accounts for the remaining 20%. HEXTEND also contains normal physiological levels of sodium. Additionally, chloride is present at levels closer to those normally found in blood than in plasma expanders in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Sodium chloride in water dissociates to provide sodium (Na + ) and chloride (Cl - ) ions. Sodium (Na + ) is the principal cation of the extracellular fluid and plays a large part in the therapy of fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Chloride (Cl - ) has an integral role in buffering action when oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs in the red blood cells. The distribution and excretion of sodium (Na + ) and chloride (Cl - ) are largely under the control of the kidneys, which maintain a balance between intake and output. HEXTEND also contains slightly lower than normal physiological levels of potassium and magnesium. Potassium chloride in water dissociates to provide potassium (K + ) and chloride (Cl - ) ions. Potassium is found in low concentrations in plasma and extracellular fluids (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L in a healthy adult). It is the most abundant cation within the body's cells (160 mEq/L of intracellular water). Potassium plays an important role in electrolyte balance. Normally about 80 to 90% of the potassium intake is excreted in the urine with the remainder in the stools and, to a small extent, in the perspiration. The kidney does not conserve potassium well so that during fasting or in patients on a potassium-free diet, potassium loss from the body continues thereby resulting in potassium depletion. Magnesium chloride in water dissociates to provide magnesium (Mg ++ ) and chloride (Cl - ). Magnesium is largely an intracellular ion with low concentrations (1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L) found in plasma. Dextrose is included in the formulation. Solutions containing carbohydrate in the form of dextrose yield blood glucose, provide calories, and may also aid in minimizing liver glycogen depletion thereby exerting a protein sparing effect. Dextrose injected parenterally undergoes oxidation to carbon dioxide and water. Lactate is provided at 28 mEq/L. Sodium lactate in water dissociates to provide sodium (Na + ) and lactate (C 3 H 5 O 3 - ) ions. The lactate anion provides an alkaline effect resulting from simultaneous removal of lactate and hydrogen ions by the liver. In the liver, the lactate is metabolized to glycogen, which is ultimately converted to carbon dioxide and water by oxidative metabolism. The lactate anion acts as a source (alternate) of bicarbonate when normal production and utilization of lactic acid is not impaired as a result of disordered lactate metabolism.

How supplied

(6% Hetastarch in Lactated Electrolyte Injection) is supplied sterile and nonpyrogenic in 500 mL single-dose flexible plastic infusion containers. Unit of Sale Volume/Container Each NDC 0409-1555-54 Case containing 12 500 mL NDC 0409-1555-64 Single-dose Flexible Container Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. Avoid excessive heat. Protect from freezing. It is recommended that the product be stored at room temperature (25°C/77°F); however, brief exposure up to 40°C does not adversely affect the product. References: 1. Diehl J, et al., Clinical Comparison of Hetastarch and Albumin in Postoperative Cardiac Patients. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery , 1982;34(6):674-679. 2. Gold M, et al., Comparison of Hetastarch to Albumin for Perioperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery, Annals of Surgery , 1990;211(4):482-485. 3. Kirklin J, et al., Hydroxyethyl Starch versus Albumin for Colloid Infusion Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients Undergoing Myocardial Revascularization, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery , 1984;37(1):40-46. 4. Moggio RA, et al., Hemodynamic Comparison of Albumin and Hydroxyethyl Starch in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patients, Critical Care Medicine , 1983;11(12):943-945. 5. Knutson, JE, et al., Does Intraoperative Hetastarch Administration Increase Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery? Anesthesia Analg ., 2000;90: 801-7. 6. Cope, JT, et al., Intraoperative Hetastarch Infusion Impairs Hemostasis After Cardiac Operations, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery , 1997;63: 78-83. 7. Damon L, Intracranial Bleeding During Treatment with Hydroxyethyl Starch, New England Journal of Medicine , 1987; 317(15):964-965. 8. Brutocao D, et al., Comparison of Hetastarch with Albumin for Postoperative Volume Expansion in Children After Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia , 1996;10(3):348-351. 9. Perner A, Haase N, Guttormsen AB, et al. Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.42 versus Ringer's Acetate in Severe Sepsis. N Eng J Med 2012; 367(2): 124-34 10. CRYSTMAS: Guidet B, Martinet O, Boulain T, et al. Assessment of hemodynamic efficacy and safety of 6% hydroxyethylstarch 130/0.4 versus 0.9% NaCl fluid replacement in patients with severe sepsis: The CRYSTMAS study. Crit Care 2012; 16(3): R94 11. Myburgh JA, Finfer S, Bellomo R, et al. Hydroxyethyl starch or saline for fluid resuscitation in intensive care. N Engl J Med 2012; 367(20): 1901-11 12. Ahn HJ, Kim JA, Lee AR, et al. The risk of acute kidney injury from fluid restriction and hydroxyethyl starch in thoracic surgery. Anesth Analg 2016; 122(1):186–193. 13. Green RS, Butler MB, Hicks SD, et al. Effect of hydroxyethyl starch on outcomes in high-risk vascular surgery patients: A retrospective analysis. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2016; 30(4):967–72. 14. Kashy BK, Podolyak A, Makarova N, et al. Effect of hydroxyethyl starch on postoperative kidney function in patients having noncardiac surgery. Anesthesiology 2014; 121 (4):730–9. 15. Patel MS, Niemann CU, Sally MB, et al. The impact of hydroxyethyl starch use in deceased organ donors on the development of delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients: A Propensity-Adjusted Analysis. Am J of Transplant 2015; 15 (8):2152–8. 16. Rasmussen KC, Johansson PI, Højskov M, et al. Hydroxyethyl starch reduces coagulation competence and increases blood loss during major surgery: results from a randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg 2014; 259 (2):249–54. 17. Bayer O, Schwarzkopf D, Doenst T, et al. Perioperative fluid therapy with tetrastarch and gelatin in cardiac surgery – a prospective sequential analysis. Crit Care Med 2013; 41(11):2532–42. 18. Lagny MG, Roediger L, Koch JN, et al. Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and the risk of acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass: A single-center retrospective study. J of Cardiothorac and Vasc Anesth 2016: 30(4):869–75. 19. Wilkes MM, Navickis RJ. Postoperative renal replacement therapy after hydroxyethyl starch infusion: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Neth J Crit Care 2014; 18:4–9. 20. Allen CJ, Valle EJ, Jouria JM, et al. Differences between blunt and penetrating trauma after resuscitation with HES. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2014; 77(6):859–64. 21. Eriksson M, Brattström O, Mårtensson J, et al. Acute kidney injury following severe trauma: Risk factors and long-term outcome. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2015; 79(3):407–12. To Open Tear overwrap down at notch and remove solution container. Check for any leakage by squeezing solution container firmly. If leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired. Invert container and carefully inspect the solution in good light for cloudiness, haze, or particulate matter. Any container that is suspect should not be used. Distributed by: Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA LAB-1288-3.0 Revised: 1/2026 Hospira logo

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Hospira, Inc. (revised May 20, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Hetastarch in 1 product

Hextend NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
0409-1555	Hetastarch 6 g/100mL Injection, Solution	Hospira, Inc.	NDA

Hextend recalls

D-184-2013 Mar 13, 2013 · Class II · Terminated
Lack of Assurance of Sterility: There is the potential for the solution to leak from the seal of the fill tube to the bag.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hextend used for?

What are the side effects of Hextend?

Who makes Hextend?

Hextend is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Hospira, Inc..

Has Hextend been recalled?

The FDA enforcement database lists 1 recall for Hextend, most recently D-184-2013 (class ii): Lack of Assurance of Sterility: There is the potential for the solution to leak from the seal of the fill tube to the bag.