Generic medicine

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are sterile dialysate fluids used to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD), a form of renal replacement therapy.

Forms:Dialysis Solution

About Peritoneal Dialysis solutions

Indications of Peritoneal Dialysis solutions

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are sterile dialysate fluids used to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD), a form of renal replacement therapy. They are instilled into the peritoneal cavity through a surgically placed peritoneal catheter, allowed to dwell, and then drained, removing waste products, excess fluid, and correcting electrolyte/acid-base imbalances via the peritoneal membrane.

Established / guideline-supported uses

  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD): Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are indicated as a mode of chronic renal replacement therapy in patients with ESRD who require dialysis, performed as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) using a cycler, under nephrologist supervision.
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI): In selected clinical settings (e.g., where hemodialysis is unavailable, hemodynamically unstable patients, or resource-limited settings), Peritoneal Dialysis solutions may be used to provide acute renal replacement therapy, per guideline-supported practice (e.g., KDIGO).

Off-label / historical use

  • Peritoneal Dialysis solutions have historically been used off-label as an adjunct for the removal of certain dialyzable toxins/poisons in acute poisoning, although this practice has been largely superseded by hemodialysis and hemoperfusion and is rarely used today.

The specific formulation, osmotic agent (dextrose, icodextrin, or amino acids), and exchange regimen are individualized by the treating nephrologist based on the patient's fluid, solute, and metabolic needs.

Dosage & Administration of Peritoneal Dialysis solutions

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are prescribed and monitored exclusively by a nephrologist and administered by trained patients, caregivers, or healthcare staff using strict aseptic technique to minimize infection risk.

Indication / SettingTypical Regimen
Adult CAPD (chronic ESRD)Approximately 4-5 manual exchanges per day; fill volume typically 1.5-3 L per exchange; dwell times of 4-6 hours during the day and a longer overnight dwell (6-9 hours), often using a higher-strength or icodextrin-based solution for the long dwell.
Adult APD (cycler-assisted)Multiple automated exchanges performed overnight via a cycler device over approximately 8-10 hours, with total fill volume and number of cycles individualized by the nephrologist; a daytime dwell may also be prescribed.
Pediatric ESRDFill volume individualized based on body surface area (typically starting around 800-1,100 mL/m² and increased gradually as tolerated), under pediatric nephrology supervision.
Acute kidney injury (selected settings)Exchange frequency and dwell times individualized and typically more frequent initially, guided by fluid status, electrolytes, and acid-base parameters, under direct medical supervision.

The specific dextrose/icodextrin concentration, dwell time, and number of exchanges are individualized for each patient and adjusted over time based on ultrafiltration needs, peritoneal equilibration test results, and laboratory monitoring. See Precautions and Warnings for aseptic technique requirements.

Side Effects of Peritoneal Dialysis solutions

Adverse effects associated with the use of Peritoneal Dialysis solutions relate mainly to the dialysis procedure itself and to the composition of the dialysate:

  • Peritonitis: the most common serious complication; presents with abdominal pain, cloudy effluent, and fever (see Precautions and Warnings).
  • Exit-site or tunnel infection of the catheter.
  • Hyperglycemia with dextrose-based solutions, particularly in patients with diabetes.
  • Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: hypokalemia, hypernatremia or hyponatremia, fluid overload, or dehydration/excessive ultrafiltration.
  • Abdominal discomfort, bloating, or pain during fill or dwell.
  • Protein and amino acid loss across the peritoneal membrane with long-term use, which may contribute to malnutrition.
  • Hernia (inguinal, umbilical, or incisional) related to sustained increased intra-abdominal pressure.
  • Weight gain and dyslipidemia from long-term dextrose (calorie) absorption.
  • Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (rare, but serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis).

Contraindications of Peritoneal Dialysis solutions

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to dextrose, icodextrin, or any other component of the specific Peritoneal Dialysis solutions formulation.
  • Documented loss of peritoneal membrane function or extensive peritoneal adhesions that prevent adequate dialysis exchange.
  • Peritonitis with fibrin formation/loculation severe enough to mechanically obstruct fluid inflow or outflow.
  • Uncorrected mechanical abdominal wall defects that make safe peritoneal dialysis impossible (e.g., uncorrected diaphragmatic hernia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, or bladder exstrophy).

Conditions such as recent abdominal surgery, active abdominal wall or catheter-exit-site infection, and severe malnutrition are important cautions that may temporarily preclude use and should be assessed by the treating physician; see Precautions and Warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peritoneal Dialysis solutions

What are Peritoneal Dialysis solutions used for?

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are sterile dialysate fluids used to perform peritoneal dialysis, a treatment that removes waste products, excess fluid, and corrects electrolyte imbalances in patients with end-stage renal disease, and in some cases acute kidney injury, when the kidneys can no longer do this adequately on their own.

How are Peritoneal Dialysis solutions given?

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are instilled into the peritoneal cavity through a surgically placed catheter, left to dwell for a prescribed period, and then drained out. This can be done manually several times a day (CAPD) or automatically overnight using a cycler machine (APD), as trained and prescribed by your nephrology team.

What is the most serious risk with Peritoneal Dialysis solutions and peritoneal dialysis?

The most serious complication is peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal lining, which presents with cloudy fluid, abdominal pain, and fever. Strict aseptic technique during every exchange is essential to reduce this risk, and any signs of infection require immediate medical attention.

Can Peritoneal Dialysis solutions affect my blood sugar?

Yes. Dextrose-based Peritoneal Dialysis solutions are absorbed into the bloodstream and can raise blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes. Your care team may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely and adjust your diabetes medication or insulin.

Can Peritoneal Dialysis solutions be used during pregnancy?

Peritoneal Dialysis solutions may be continued during pregnancy in patients who require peritoneal dialysis, but only under close, coordinated supervision of a nephrologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, with the dialysis prescription adjusted as needed; this decision should always be individualized.

What should I do if I notice cloudy fluid, a damaged bag, or unusual symptoms?

Do not use a bag that is damaged, leaking, or contains cloudy or discolored fluid. If you notice cloudy effluent, abdominal pain, fever, or signs of fluid imbalance (swelling or dizziness), contact your dialysis care team or seek immediate medical attention promptly.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles