home > drugs a-z list > voluven (hydroxyethyl starch in sodium chloride injection) drug center > voluven (hydroxyethyl starch in sodium chloride injection) drug - consumer uses and warnings

Voluven® (6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 in 0.9% sodium chloride injection) is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow, sterile, non-pyrogenic, isotonic solution for intravenous administration using sterile equipment.

Each 100 mL of the solution contains:

 Electrolytes (mEq/L): Sodium 154, Chloride 154. pH 4 to 5.5. Calculated osmolarity 308 mOsmol/L.

The hydroxyethyl starch contained in Voluven® (hydroxyethyl starch in sodium chloride injection) is a synthetic colloid for use in plasma volume replacement. The chemical name of hydroxyethyl starch is poly(O-2-hydroxyethyl) starch. The structural formula of hydroxyethyl starch is

R = -H,-CH₂CH₂OH

R₁ = -H,-CH₂CH₂OH or glucose units

Voluven® (hydroxyethyl starch in sodium chloride injection) is packaged in 500 mL flexible plastic containers (freeflex®). Freeflex® is a flexible container made from coextruded polyolefin and is free of PVC, plasticizers, adhesives or latex (Non-DEHP, Latex-free). The freeflex® container offers an air-closed system and can be used with non-vented IV sets which prevent external air contamination. Freeflex® is collapsible and can be used in emergency cases for pressure infusion.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/1/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.