Hespan

Generic name:hetastarch [ HET-a-starch ]
Brand names: Hespan, Hextend
Drug class:Plasma expanders

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 19, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Hespan?

Hespan (hydroxyethyl starch) is made from natural sources of starch. This medicine increases the volume of blood plasma that can be lost from bleeding or severe injury. Plasma is needed to circulate red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Hespan is used to treat or prevent hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume, also called "shock") that may occur as a result of serious injury, surgery, severe blood loss, burns, or other trauma.

Hespan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not receive this medication if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or urination problems not caused by hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume).

Hespan can harm your kidneys. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms of kidney damage: swelling, rapid weight gain, unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, feeling short of breath, red or pink urine, painful or difficult urination, or little or no urinating.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to Hespan, or if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• kidney disease;

• congestive heart failure; or

• urination problems not caused by hypovolemia (decreased blood plasma volume).

If possible before you receive Hespan, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• a history of heart disease; or

• if you are allergic to corn.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Hespan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether hetastarch passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received Hespan.

How is Hespan given?

Hespan is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, a...