Lipofundin IV Infusion 20%

About Lipofundin IV Infusion 20%

Lipofundin IV Infusion 20% Uses

• Source of energy and essential fatty acids in patients unable to eat or absorb food normally
• Component of parenteral nutrition in critically ill or post surgical patients
• Nutritional support during prolonged intensive care unit stays
• Part of combined nutrition regimens alongside amino acid and dextrose infusions

Lipofundin IV Infusion 20% Benefits

• Supplies concentrated calories in a small fluid volume, useful for fluid restricted patients
• Provides essential fatty acids the body cannot make on its own
• Supports wound healing and immune function during prolonged illness
• Reduces reliance on glucose alone as an energy source, helping manage blood sugar in critically ill patients

What Experts Say

Critical care physicians in Pakistan use Lipofundin when a patient cannot tolerate oral or enteral feeding for an extended period, since fat provides more than twice the calories per gram compared to carbohydrates. The combination of soybean oil and medium chain triglycerides allows faster metabolism than a pure long chain fat emulsion, which matters in patients with reduced liver reserve.

Dosing is calculated per kilogram of body weight and infused slowly to avoid overwhelming the body's capacity to clear fat from the bloodstream. Triglyceride levels are checked periodically during longer courses, since persistently high readings signal that the infusion rate needs to be reduced rather than continued at the same pace.

Because the emulsion contains egg phospholipids as an emulsifier, physicians screen for egg and soy allergy before starting therapy. Close monitoring in the first hours of any new infusion catches early signs of an allergic reaction or fat overload before they progress to more serious complications.

Drug Class

• Parenteral nutrition, lipid emulsion

Lipofundin IV Infusion 20% formula

• Soybean Oil + Medium Chain Triglycerides

Available forms

• IV Infusion

How to use Lipofundin IV Infusion 20%?

• Administer only through a peripheral or central intravenous line under direct clinical supervision in a hospital or infusion center
• Start the infusion slowly, typically not exceeding 0.5 to 1 gram of fat per kilogram of body weight per hour, and increase gradually based on the patient's tolerance
• Warm the bottle to room temperature before use and inspect for separation, discoloration, or particles before connecting
• Monitor serum triglycerides, liver function, and vital signs regularly throughout the infusion, especially in the first hours
• Do not infuse together with blood products through the same line
• Discard any partially used bottle, since the emulsion contains no preservative and supports bacterial growth once opened
• Adjust the infusion rate and total daily dose based on the patient's nutritional needs, liver function, and ability to clear fat from the blood

Drug Interactions

• Heparin: Can transiently increase fat clearance from the blood when given together, monitor triglyceride levels closely
• Blood Thinning Medicines: Use with caution, since the emulsion's vitamin K content can theoretically affect anticoagulant control in some patients
• Other IV Medicines In The Same Line: Avoid mixing directly with other drugs or blood products in the same infusion line unless specifically confirmed compatible

Risks and warnings

• Fat Overload Syndrome: Infusing too much too quickly can cause a sudden rise in blood fats, fever, liver enlargement, and blood clotting problems, requiring the infusion to be stopped immediately if it occurs
• Hypersensitivity: Contains egg and soybean derived ingredients, avoid in patients with known allergy to egg or soy protein
• Infection Risk: Any IV line used for lipid infusion carries a risk of bloodstream infection, strict aseptic technique is required during preparation and administration
• Impaired Fat Metabolism: Use with caution in conditions such as severe liver disease, pancreatitis, and disorders of fat metabolism, since these reduce the body's ability to clear the infused fat
• Newborns And Premature Infants: Require closer monitoring of bilirubin and platelet levels, since immature fat clearance raises the risk of complications

Lipofundin IV Infusion 20% Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild fever during infusion
• Injection site irritation or pain
• Chills
• Headache
• Flushing
• Allergic reactions such as rash or breathing difficulty in rare cases
• Fat overload syndrome with prolonged high dose use
• Abnormal liver function tests with prolonged use
• Elevated blood triglycerides

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C, protect from light, and do not freeze
• Keep the bottle in its outer carton until ready for use
• Inspect the emulsion before use and discard if separation, oiling out, or discoloration is visible
• Use immediately once the bottle is opened and discard any unused portion
• Keep out of reach of children