Pharmacokinetics of high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch in dogs.

The elimination of high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch (HMW-HES) was determined in dogs. . Eight dogs were divided into two groups; one of which was bled 25 ml/kg. Both groups were given 25 ml/kg of 6% HMW-HES solution over a 30 min period. There was no significant difference in plasma concentration vs time profiles between the two groups. The biological half-life estimated between days 7-28, averaged 7.5 and 8.4 days in control and bled dogs, respectively. The renal clearance of HMW-HES diminished considerably in both groups during the 7 day period. Despite large interanimal variations in renal clearance, there was not a significant difference between groups.