polygeline at a glance
Medicine class
Gelatin-derived colloid plasma-volume substitute
Administration
Intravenous infusion under clinical supervision
Key safety issue
Hypersensitivity reactions and fluid overload require close observation
What is polygeline used for?
UK-licensed uses include:
Initial plasma-volume replacement in hypovolaemic shock caused by bleeding, burns, peritonitis, pancreatitis or crush injury
Fluid replacement during plasma exchange
Extracorporeal circulation and isolated-organ perfusion
Carrier solution for insulin
How does polygeline work?
Gelatin-derived molecules temporarily remain in the circulation and exert a colloid osmotic effect, expanding circulating volume. Polygeline does not replace red blood cells, clotting factors or oxygen-carrying capacity.
How to take polygeline
Polygeline is given into a vein by trained healthcare professionals. The clinical team selects the amount and infusion speed based on the person's condition and response.
Tell staff about previous infusion reactions, allergies, heart or kidney problems, breathing difficulty, swelling, high blood pressure or bleeding disorders.
Tell staff about all medicines, particularly cardiac glycosides and medicines associated with histamine release.
polygeline side effects
Common or expected effects
- Wheals or urticarial skin reactions
- Nausea or vomiting
- Raised temperature or shivering
- Low blood pressure
- Fast or slow heartbeat
- Breathlessness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic shock, which may cause breathing difficulty, circulatory collapse or sudden severe illness
- Clinically important fluid overload
polygeline in pregnancy
Polygeline has been used for initial volume replacement following obstetric or gynaecological blood loss without apparent harm reported in the product information. It may be considered when plasma-volume replacement is necessary and blood is unavailable, following specialist clinical assessment.
polygeline while breastfeeding
The product information provides no specific evidence about use while breastfeeding. The clinical team should assess the need for treatment and breastfeeding considerations.
polygeline interactions
Relevant interactions and compatibility issues include:
Cardiac glycosides, including digoxin
Polygeline contains calcium ions, which may increase cardiac glycoside effects or toxicity.
Histamine-releasing medicines, including some anaesthetics, muscle relaxants, analgesics and anticholinergics
Combined exposure may increase the likelihood of histamine-mediated infusion reactions.
Citrated blood
Do not mix directly with polygeline because its calcium content may cause clotting. Sequential administration requires adequate line flushing.
Common questions about polygeline
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is polygeline the same as blood?
No. It is a gelatin-derived plasma-volume substitute and does not provide red blood cells, oxygen-carrying capacity or clotting factors.
Can polygeline cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Wheals and other histamine-related reactions can occur, and severe hypersensitivity including shock has been reported rarely.
Can polygeline be used with digoxin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.