Drug reference
dextran-40
Plasma expander, Polysaccharide · Plasma expander
Plasma expander, PolysaccharidePlasma expander
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Dextran-40 is a polysaccharide that expands plasma volume rapidly by exerting oncotic pressure. It reduces blood viscosity and prevents red blood cell (RBC) sludging, which occurs in shock, by coating RBCs and maintaining their electronegative charge, thereby potentially improving microcirculation.
Indications
Hypovolemia due to loss of plasma/blood (as substitute for plasma)Burns (acute phase only)Hypovolemic and endotoxin shockSevere trauma and extensive tissue damageTemporary measure in cases of whole blood lossReduction of blood viscosity and prevention of RBC sludging in shock
Dosing
- Max dose
- 20 ml/kg in 24 hr
Pharmacokinetics
Duration
Expands plasma volume for a shorter period (compared to Dextran-70)
Excretion
Rapidly filtered at the glomerulus
Contraindications
- Hypofibrinogenaemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Presence of bleeding
- Severe anaemia
- Cardiac failure
- Pulmonary edema
- Liver disease
- Renal insufficiency
Side effects
Common
UrticariaItchingBronchospasmFall in BP (occasionally)
Serious
- Anaphylactic shock (rare)
- Tubular obstruction (if oliguria develops)
Related guidelines
Other Plasma expander, Polysaccharide drugs
Ask House about dextran-40
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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team