Indications
Refined soyabean oil, in the form of a sterile fat (lipid) emulsion for intravenous use, is part of parenteral nutrition: feeding through a vein for patients who cannot eat or absorb enough food by mouth or through a feeding tube, for example after major surgery, in severe bowel disease or in critical illness. It supplies energy and essential fatty acids.
How It Works
The emulsion contains tiny droplets of purified soyabean oil, stabilised with egg phospholipids and glycerol. Once in the bloodstream, the droplets are broken down like dietary fat and used for energy. Soyabean oil also provides linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, essential fatty acids the body cannot make itself.
Dosage and Administration
It is given only in hospital by a doctor or nurse, as a slow intravenous infusion, usually as part of a complete feeding plan with amino acids, glucose, vitamins and minerals. The dose and infusion rate are set by the medical team according to body weight, energy needs and blood fat levels, as prescribed.
Interactions
Heparin given with the infusion can temporarily increase fat clearance from the blood. Soyabean oil contains vitamin K, which may reduce the effect of blood thinners such as Warfarin. High blood fat levels from the infusion can interfere with some laboratory tests, so blood samples are timed by staff. It should not be mixed with other medicines or solutions unless compatibility is confirmed.
Contraindications
- Allergy to soya, peanut or egg protein, or to any ingredient.
- Severe hyperlipidaemia (very high blood fats) or severe disorders of fat metabolism.
- Severe liver failure, severe blood clotting disorders, and unstable conditions such as shock, unless the doctor decides otherwise.
Side Effects
Possible effects include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, back or chest pain during the infusion, and raised blood fat or liver enzyme levels with longer use. Infection or irritation can occur at the infusion site.
Staff will stop the infusion and give urgent care if there is difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, a rash, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or signs of fat overload such as fever, enlarged liver, yellowing of the skin or bleeding.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when intravenous feeding is necessary, under close medical supervision.
Precautions and Warnings
Blood fat (triglyceride) levels, blood sugar, liver tests, electrolytes and fluid balance are monitored regularly. Special care is needed in newborn and premature babies, in whom the rate must be carefully controlled, and in people with kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis or infection. Strict hygiene is needed with the infusion line to prevent bloodstream infection.
Overdose
Giving too much or too fast can cause fat overload syndrome, with fever, raised blood fats, liver enlargement, breathing problems and clotting problems. The infusion is stopped and supportive treatment given in hospital.
Therapeutic Class
Parenteral nutrition, intravenous lipid emulsion.
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually below 25°C. Do not freeze; do not use if the emulsion has separated. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.