Plasma expander, Ethoxylated amylopectin · Plasma expander
Hetastarch is a complex mixture of ethoxylated amylopectin that, in a 6% solution, has colloidal properties approximating human albumin. It exerts oncotic pressure, expanding plasma volume slightly in excess of the infused volume, thereby retaining fluid in the vascular compartment.
Potential for reduced efficacy or increased toxicity of the co-administered drug, or formation of harmful precipitates.
No injectable drug should be added directly to a hetastarch infusion. Administer these drugs separately.
Source: KDT 7e · p645
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team