calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin at a glance
Medicine class
Gelatin-based colloidal plasma-volume substitute.
Administration
Given into a vein by a healthcare professional with clinical and laboratory monitoring.
Key allergy warning
Contraindicated with gelatin hypersensitivity, alpha-Gal allergy or a known allergy to mammalian meat or offal.
Electrolyte base
An isotonic, lactate-free solution containing sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium and acetate.
What is calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin used for?
Licensed UK uses include:
Treating relative or absolute hypovolaemia and shock.
Preventing hypotension caused by relative hypovolaemia during induction of epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
Preventing hypotension where significant surgical blood loss is imminent.
Use with crystalloid solutions as priming fluid for extracorporeal circulation procedures, such as a heart-lung machine.
How does calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin work?
Succinylated gelatin temporarily remains within the circulation and exerts colloid-osmotic pressure, replacing lost plasma volume. The balanced electrolytes replace extracellular fluid, while acetate can be metabolised to bicarbonate and may help correct acidosis. Most gelatin molecules are cleared through the kidneys.
How to take calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin
This solution is given intravenously by trained healthcare professionals and is not self-administered. Close observation is required when the infusion begins because serious allergic reactions can occur. Only clear solution from an undamaged, single-use container should be used; any remainder must be discarded.
The required volume and infusion rate are determined from blood loss, haemodynamic status and fluid-overload risk.
Air must be removed from the container and giving set before pressure infusion.
It must not share an infusion line with blood or blood products.
It should not be mixed with other medicines unless compatibility is established.
calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Haemodilution, reducing haematocrit and plasma-protein concentrations.
- With larger administered volumes, dilution of coagulation factors and prolonged clotting tests.
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions, including hives, swelling, breathing difficulty, hypotension, collapse or shock.
- Circulatory overload or pulmonary oedema, causing marked breathlessness or impaired heart and lung function.
- Severe electrolyte disturbance, including hyperkalaemia that may trigger cardiac arrhythmia.
calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin in pregnancy
Evidence in pregnancy is limited. Because a severe allergic reaction could cause maternal hypotension and fetal or neonatal distress, UK product information restricts use during pregnancy to emergency situations following clinical assessment.
calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether succinylated gelatin or its metabolites enter human milk, although a meaningful increase in milk sodium or chloride is not expected. Clinicians should weigh the benefit of treatment against the benefits of breastfeeding when deciding whether either should be interrupted.
calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin interactions
Important interactions mainly arise from the electrolyte content and fluid-retaining effects.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, ciclosporin, tacrolimus or suxamethonium
Concurrent use can increase the risk of severe hyperkalaemia and associated cardiac arrhythmia.
Corticosteroids or NSAIDs
Sodium retention may increase the risk of oedema and circulatory overload.
Cardiac glycosides
The solution's potassium may reduce their therapeutic effect.
Common questions about calcium chloride dihydrate + magnesium chloride hexahydrate + potassium chloride + sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium chloride + succinylated gelatin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Gelaspan the same as a blood transfusion?
No. It replaces circulating fluid volume but does not replace red blood cells, plasma proteins or clotting factors.
Can Gelaspan be given to someone with a red-meat allergy?
No if there is a known allergy to mammalian meat or offal, or alpha-Gal hypersensitivity, because cross-reaction with gelatin can cause anaphylaxis.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.