Acetate Formulation [Hemodialysis Solution]
Indications
This is an acetate-based haemodialysis concentrate. It is used in dialysis centres to prepare the dialysis fluid (dialysate) for people with kidney failure who need haemodialysis. The concentrate is mixed with purified water by the dialysis machine to make the final fluid that cleans the blood.
How It Works
During haemodialysis, blood flows on one side of a thin membrane and the dialysis fluid on the other. The fluid contains salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium chloride at controlled levels, plus acetate. Waste products and excess salts move out of the blood into the fluid, while acetate passes into the blood and is changed by the liver and muscles into bicarbonate, which corrects the acid build-up seen in kidney failure.
Dosage and Administration
It is used only by trained dialysis staff, in a haemodialysis machine, at the dilution ratio stated on the label. The doctor decides the length and frequency of dialysis sessions and the fluid composition. It is not for drinking and must never be injected directly.
Interactions
The fluid can change blood levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium, which may affect medicines such as Digoxin (risk of heart rhythm problems if potassium becomes low). Some medicines are removed by dialysis and may need to be given after the session. The dialysis team will review all medicines.
Contraindications
- Known intolerance to acetate dialysate, for example repeated severe low blood pressure during acetate dialysis
- Situations where the doctor decides a bicarbonate-based fluid is more suitable, such as severe liver disease or severe acid build-up
Side Effects
Possible effects during or after dialysis include headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, low blood pressure, muscle cramps and changes in blood salt levels. Some people do not tolerate acetate well and feel unwell after sessions.
Tell the dialysis staff at once, or get urgent medical help, if you have chest pain, an irregular or very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting, confusion, fits or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant or breastfeeding women on dialysis may need changes to the dialysis plan, which the kidney specialist will decide. The fluid itself is not expected to harm a breastfed baby.
Precautions and Warnings
The concentrate must be checked for the correct type and dilution before use; using the wrong concentrate can be dangerous. Blood salts and acid levels are checked regularly. Water used must meet dialysis quality standards. Do not use if the container is damaged or the liquid is cloudy.
Overdose
Errors in mixing can cause serious salt or acid imbalance, low blood pressure or heart rhythm problems. These are corrected by the dialysis team.
Therapeutic Class
Haemodialysis solution (acetate-based concentrate).
Storage
Store below 30°C, do not freeze, and keep away from direct sunlight, as directed on the pack. For hospital and dialysis unit use only.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Acetate Formulation [Hemodialysis Solution]