Fat emulsion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 7, 2022.
Deaths in preterm infants after infusion of intravenous fat emulsion have been reported in the medical literature. Autopsy findings included intravascular fat accumulation in the lungs. Treatment of premature and low birth weight infants with intravenous fat emulsion must be based upon careful benefit-risk assessment. Strict adherence to the recommended total daily dose is mandatory; hourly infusion rate should be as slow as possible in each case and the total fat should not in any case exceed 1 g fat/kg in four hours. Premature and small for gestational age infants have poor clearance of intravenous fat emulsion and increased free fatty acid plasma levels following fat emulsion infusion; therefore, serious consideration must be given to administration of less than the maximum recommended doses in these patients in order to decrease the likelihood of intravenous fat overload. The infant’s ability to eliminate the infused fat from the circulation must be carefully monitored (such as serum triglycerides and/or plasma free fatty acid levels). The lipemia must clear between daily infusions .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Clinolipid
- Liposyn
- Omegaven
Available Dosage Forms:
- Emulsion
Therapeutic Class: Parenteral Lipids
Uses for fat emulsion
Fat emulsions are used for nutritional support in patients who are unable to get enough fat in their diet, usually because of certain illnesses (eg, parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis) or recent surgery. Fats are used by the body for energy and to form substances needed for normal body functions.
Fat emulsion is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using fat emulsion
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For fat emulsion, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fat emulsion or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Omegaven® in children. However, children are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, agitation, slow heartbeat, vomiting). Safety and efficacy have been established in children.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Intralipid® in children.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Omegaven® in the elderly.
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of Intralipid® in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breast..
