Dextran 40, Dextrose

Dextran 40, Dextrose Solution is a medical substance that consists of two main components: Dextran 40 and Dextrose. Dextran 40 is a high molecular weight, branched, glucose polymer produced by the fermentation of glucose by the bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Dextrose, on the other hand, is a simple sugar that is also a glucose derivative.
This solution is primarily used for intravenous infusion to increase blood volume and maintain hydration. It can be used in various clinical settings, such as hospitals and medical facilities, to address conditions like hypovolemia, dehydration, and shock. Dextran 40, Dextrose Solution acts as a plasma expander, which helps in increasing the blood volume without increasing the osmotic pressure, thereby preventing fluid overload and improving blood flow.
The dextran component of the solution has a molecular weight of 40,000 Da, which gives it the ability to bypass the liver and be distributed throughout the body, making it an effective volume expander. The dextrose in the solution provides an energy source for the body, as it is rapidly absorbed and metabolized by the body’s cells.