Intralipide (Soya Oil, Purified)

Intralipide is used as a lipid solvent and carrier in intravenous drug delivery and parenteral nutrition.

• Parenteral nutrition: provides essential fatty acids and calories for patients unable to receive enteral feeding.
• Lipid-based drug formulations: solubilizes lipophilic medications for intravenous administration.
• Drug dilution and reconstitution: serves as a diluent for certain injectable agents.

• Purified soy oil consists mainly of triglycerides rich in linoleic acid. After intravenous infusion it forms a stable oil‑in‑water emulsion that integrates into the plasma lipid pool, creating a hydrophobic environment that enhances the solubility of lipophilic compounds. The emulsion is metabolized by lipoprotein lipase, releasing free fatty acids that are taken up by tissues for energy and membrane synthesis.

Intravenous administration of Intralipide may be associated with the following adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Mild infusion site erythema: localized redness at the injection site.
• Transient fever: low‑grade temperature rise during or shortly after infusion.
• Nausea: occasional feeling of queasiness without vomiting.
• Hypertriglyceridemia (mild): temporary increase in serum triglyceride levels.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Fat overload syndrome: severe metabolic disturbance from excessive lipid load.
• Pulmonary embolism: rare blockage of pulmonary vessels by lipid particles.
• Anaphylactoid reaction: sudden systemic hypersensitivity with hypotension and rash.
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes in susceptible patients.

When using Intralipide, the following precautions should be observed.

• Patient lipid status: assess baseline triglyceride levels before infusion.
• Metabolic disorders: avoid in patients with severe hyperlipidaemia or lipid metabolism disorders.
• Infusion rate: administer at recommended rate to reduce risk of fat overload.
• Compatibility: verify compatibility with co‑administered drugs before mixing.
• Monitoring: observe for signs of respiratory distress, allergic reaction, or sudden changes in vital signs.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Intralipide may interact with other agents administered intravenously.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent lipid emulsions: co‑administration can precipitate fat overload syndrome.
• Propofol infusion: additive lipid load may increase triglyceride levels excessively.
• High‑dose heparin: may potentiate hypertriglyceridemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Lipophilic antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin): monitor for altered plasma concentrations.
• Hormone therapies (e.g., estradiol): observe for changes in drug distribution.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine): assess for potential changes in blood levels.