MedicinehospitalEssential

Dextran

Intravenous fluid (dextran 40) used to treat shock and prevent blood clots after surgery.

Clinical information

Common uses

adjunctive treatment of shock from bleeding, burns or surgery
priming fluid in heart-lung machines
preventing vein clots after high-risk surgery

Common side effects

mild hives
fever reactions
irritation or clots at the infusion site

Cautions

rare severe allergic-type reactions — watch closely at start of infusion
can overload the circulation causing fluid buildup
high doses can increase bleeding tendency
avoid exceeding doses in advanced kidney disease

Interactions

heparin or warfarin (blood thinners) — not with clotting defects they cause

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, LMD (dextran 40) label, setid 3c273512-84e2-2cea-b201-12345a6bd1fe (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Dextran	Parenteral ( Injection )	0.7	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Dextran	Parenteral ( Injection )	40	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital