Pentastarch
Pentastarch is a synthetic colloid volume expander.
Group
Synthetic colloid volume expander
Mechanism of Action
Hydroxyethyl starch retains fluid within the vascular compartment by increasing colloid oncotic pressure.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 10-25 mL/kg/day IV as continuous infusion. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 5-10 mL/kg/day IV as continuous infusion. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 8-15 mL/kg IV or continuous infusion at 0.5-1 mL/kg/hour. |
Indications
- Acute hypovolemia and shock
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions, renal dysfunction and coagulation disturbance are possible.
Toxicity
Excess colloid causes circulatory overload and pulmonary edema; stop/reduce exposure and reassess fluid and coagulation status.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentastarch 10% infusion 100 mg/mL; treatment protocols are volume-based. | Injection | 100 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Follow blood pressure, hydration, renal function and coagulation during treatment. Reported regimen describes a 10% pentastarch preparation; starch products are not interchangeable.
Hydroxyethyl-starch products differ in molecular size, substitution and concentration: pentastarch 200/0.5 is not the same as hetastarch or tetrastarch 130/0.4. HES class risks include coagulation impairment, hypersensitivity, volume overload and renal injury; it does not replace oxygen-carrying blood products. Assess coagulation and fluid tolerance, particularly with renal/cardiac compromise or capillary leak.