icodextrini

Icodextrin is a glucose polymer derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn starch. It is a complex carbohydrate composed of glucose units linked together, primarily by alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds. The molecular weight of icodextrin typically ranges from 2,000 to 11,000 daltons, with an average molecular weight of around 5,000 daltons. This relatively high molecular weight contributes to its unique physiological properties.

In medical applications, icodextrin is primarily used as an osmotic agent in peritoneal dialysis solutions. Its large molecular size prevents it from being readily absorbed across the peritoneal membrane, allowing it to remain in the peritoneal cavity for an extended period. This sustained presence creates an osmotic gradient that effectively draws excess fluid and waste products from the blood into the peritoneal cavity, facilitating their removal during dialysis. Icodextrin offers a longer duration of osmotic action compared to glucose-based solutions, which can be advantageous for certain patients.

Beyond peritoneal dialysis, icodextrin has been investigated for other potential therapeutic uses, although its primary application remains in renal replacement therapy. Its pharmacological profile, characterized by slow absorption and metabolism, makes it a subject of ongoing research in various fields.