Lipofundin Mct (Soya-Bean Oil Refined, Triglycerides, Medium Chain)

Lipofundin MCT is employed in parenteral nutrition to deliver intravenous lipids for patients who cannot be fed enterally.

• Parenteral nutrition: Provides essential fatty acids and caloric energy for patients requiring intravenous lipid supplementation.
• Post‑operative care: Supports recovery by supplying lipids needed for wound healing and energy after surgery.
• Malabsorption syndromes: Supplies necessary lipids when the gastrointestinal tract cannot absorb dietary fats.

• The emulsion contains medium‑chain triglycerides derived from refined soy‑bean oil, which are hydrolyzed by plasma lipases after intravenous infusion. The resulting free fatty acids are rapidly taken up by peripheral tissues and the liver, where they are oxidized for energy or incorporated into phospholipids for cell‑membrane synthesis, thereby providing both caloric support and essential fatty acids during parenteral nutrition.

Lipofundin MCT may be associated with a range of infusion‑related adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Hypertriglyceridemia: Elevated blood triglyceride levels during therapy.
• Fever and chills: Transient temperature rise and shivering during infusion.
• Infusion site reactions: Redness, pain or swelling at the catheter site.
• Nausea: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Vomiting: Occasional emesis following infusion.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Fat overload syndrome: Accumulation of lipids leading to organ dysfunction.
• Anaphylactic reaction: Severe allergic response requiring immediate intervention.
• Hepatic dysfunction: Elevated liver enzymes or cholestasis.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas associated with high triglyceride levels.
• Thrombocytopenia: Decrease in platelet count observed in rare cases.

When using Lipofundin MCT, clinicians should observe several safety precautions to minimize risks.

• Assess triglyceride levels: Measure baseline serum triglycerides before initiating therapy.
• Monitor liver function: Perform regular liver enzyme tests during treatment.
• Use aseptic technique: Ensure sterile handling of the emulsion and infusion set.
• Avoid in soy allergy: Do not administer to patients with known hypersensitivity to soy‑bean oil.
• Caution with hyperlipidaemia: Use reduced infusion rates in patients with severe hyperlipidaemia.
• Store at 2-8°C: Keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Lipofundin MCT can interact with other medications that affect lipid metabolism or share a lipid carrier.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concomitant lipid emulsions: Co‑administration increases risk of fat overload.
• Propofol infusion: Both are lipid‑based, raising triglyceride levels and risk of hyperlipidaemia.
• High‑dose heparin: May exacerbate hypertriglyceridaemia during lipid infusion.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Corticosteroids: May increase serum triglycerides, requiring monitoring.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone): Can precipitate when mixed with lipid emulsions.
• Diuretics: May affect fluid balance; monitor patient’s volume status.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine): May impact liver function; observe hepatic markers.