Lipidem (Omega-3-Acid Triglycerides, Soya-Bean Oil Refined, Triglycerides, Medium Chain)

Lipidem is used in clinical situations that require parenteral delivery of calories and essential fatty acids.

• Parenteral nutrition: supplies energy and essential fatty acids when oral or enteral feeding is insufficient.
• Essential fatty acid deficiency: corrects deficiency in patients with prolonged limited enteral intake.
• Preterm infants: supports growth and development when oral feeding is not yet possible.

• The emulsion contains omega‑3 fatty acids and medium‑chain triglycerides that are rapidly hydrolyzed by lipases to free fatty acids. These fatty acids are incorporated into cell membranes, serve as substrates for eicosanoid synthesis, and provide a dense caloric source that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, supporting metabolic needs in patients unable to eat or absorb nutrients.

Lipidem may be associated with several adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Hypertriglyceridemia: elevated serum triglyceride levels after infusion.
• Fever or chills: transient temperature rise during or shortly after administration.
• Infusion site reactions: erythema, pain, or swelling at the catheter site.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in ALT/AST.
• Electrolyte disturbances: mild shifts in phosphate or calcium levels.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Fat overload syndrome: severe hyperlipidaemia with hepatic dysfunction.
• Anaphylactic or severe allergic reactions: respiratory distress, hypotension, or rash.
• Pulmonary embolism: rare occurrence of lipid emboli in the lungs.
• Thrombocytopenia: significant drop in platelet count.
• Severe hyperlipidaemia leading to pancreatitis.
• Infection risk: contamination of the lipid emulsion can lead to sepsis.

When using Lipidem, clinicians should observe several safety measures.

• Monitor triglyceride levels: check serum triglycerides regularly during therapy.
• Assess liver function: perform periodic liver enzyme tests.
• Evaluate for fat metabolism disorders: avoid in patients with known disorders of lipid metabolism.
• Use caution in sepsis or coagulopathy: consider bleeding risk and inflammatory status.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reaction occurs.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Lipidem can interact with other agents that affect lipid metabolism or coagulation.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent lipid emulsions: may cause excess caloric and lipid load.
• High‑dose propofol infusion: both provide lipids, increasing risk of fat overload.
• Certain anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): lipid infusion may alter plasma protein binding.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Systemic corticosteroids: can exacerbate hypertriglyceridaemia.
• Diuretics: may intensify electrolyte shifts associated with lipid infusion.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine): increased infection susceptibility when combined with lipid emulsions.