Lipid Infusion 20% (1)

What it is and how it works

A sterile oil-in-water emulsion (commonly based on soya-bean oil, alone or mixed with medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil or fish oil) stabilised with egg phospholipids and made isotonic with glycerol. It provides a concentrated source of energy and essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids); the emulsion particles are metabolised similarly to endogenous chylomicrons.

Indications

Source of energy and essential fatty acids as part of parenteral nutrition when oral or enteral nutrition is impossible, insufficient or contraindicated; prevention and treatment of essential fatty acid deficiency.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing is individualised by the clinician or nutrition team according to energy requirements, metabolic status and serum triglycerides, with infusion rate limits specified in the product information; given by peripheral or central vein, usually as part of a parenteral nutrition regimen.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to egg, soya or peanut protein or excipients; severe hyperlipidaemia or disorders of lipid metabolism; severe coagulopathy; shock and unstable circulatory states; severe hepatic insufficiency.

Warnings and precautions

Monitor serum triglycerides, blood glucose, liver function, fluid and electrolyte balance; fat overload syndrome may occur with excessive dose or rate. Strict aseptic technique is needed because of the risk of catheter-related infection; parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease may develop with long-term use. In neonates and preterm infants, infusion rate must be carefully controlled and the product protected from light.

Pregnancy

May be used in pregnancy when parenteral nutrition is required.

Storage and supply

Store below 25 °C; do not freeze; discard if the emulsion shows phase separation.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.