Hemoglobin glutamer-200 (bovine)
Polymerized bovine hemoglobin
Also known as: Oxyglobin · HBOC-301 · HG-200 · Hemoglobin glutamer-200 · Hb200
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labeled indications (anemia) | 10-30 mL/kg | IV | One-time dose at a rate of up to 10 mL/kg/hr | — | 🌎 NA |
| Resuscitation of trauma patients in shock with or without hemorrhage | 3-5 mL/kg | IV | Once | — | 🌎 NA |
| To provide a 'bridge' until immunosuppressive drugs take effect in dogs with IMHA with a transfusion reaction | 7-10 mL/kg or 30 mL/kg | IV | q12h (for 7-10 mL/kg dose) | 48-72 hours (for 30 mL/kg dose) | 🌎 NA |
| As an option to provide oxygen carrying capacity in the trauma patient | 10-15 mL/kg | IV | Given over several hours | — | 🌎 NA |
| As a vasopressor once there is adequate intravascular volume in trauma patients | 3-5 mL/kg | IV | Once | — | 🌎 NA |
- Labeled indications (anemia): Do not administer with other fluids or drugs via the same infusion set.
- Resuscitation of trauma patients in shock with or without hemorrhage: With concurrent crystalloid at 1/2 to 2 times maintenance.
- To provide a 'bridge' until immunosuppressive drugs take effect in dogs with IMHA with a transfusion reaction: 7-10 mL/kg maintains Hb >3.5 g/dL; 30 mL/kg provides support for 48-72h.
- As an option to provide oxygen carrying capacity in the trauma patient: Care must be taken not to cause fluid overload.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As an option to provide oxygen carrying capacity in the trauma patient | 2.5-10 mL/kg | IV | Given over several hours | — | 🌎 NA |
- As an option to provide oxygen carrying capacity in the trauma patient: Care must be taken not to cause fluid overload especially in cats.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Hemoglobin glutamer-200 (bovine) is a semi-synthetic, polymerized bovine hemoglobin product used primarily as an oxygen-carrying fluid and potent colloid in veterinary medicine.
- Primary Indication: Treatment of anemia (due to hemolysis, blood loss, or ineffective erythropoiesis) when whole blood or packed red blood cells are unavailable, or when no suitable donors are identified on crossmatch.
- Clinical Pearl: It is particularly valuable in regenerative anemias and emergency trauma situations. Because it is stroma-free and lacks red blood cell membranes, it does not require blood typing or crossmatching prior to administration.
- Extra-label Use: Has been used in cats and in foals for neonatal isoerythrolysis, though extreme caution is required due to its potent colloidal properties.
Mechanism of action
HG-200 functions both as an oxygen carrier and a potent colloid expander:
- Oxygen Delivery: Releases oxygen to tissues similarly to endogenous hemoglobin. It shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, facilitating easier oxygen offloading to hypoxic tissues.
- Microvascular Perfusion: Due to its small molecular size compared to intact RBCs, it can bypass severe arterial constrictions to oxygenate ischemic cells.
- Colloidal Effect: Acts as a potent colloid (similar to dextran 70 or hetastarch), expanding intravascular volume by increasing oncotic pressure.
- Vascular Tone: Causes significant vasoconstriction, which can increase blood pressure but may decrease cardiac output in hypovolemic states.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Advanced cardiac disease (e.g., congestive heart failure)
- Severely impaired cardiac function
- Renal impairment with oliguria or anuria
Adverse effects
- Discolored mucous membranes, sclera, skin (yellow, red, brown)
- Discolored urine (orange, red, brown)
- Increased central venous pressure (CVP)
- Ventricular arrhythmias (AV block, tachycardia, VPCs)
- Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia
- Tachypnea, dyspnea, harsh lung sounds
- Pulmonary edema and pleural effusion (due to volume overload)
- Fever
- Peripheral edema
- Hemoglobinuria
Precautions
HG-200 is a potent colloid and can cause severe vasoconstriction. Extreme care must be taken to avoid volume overload, which can lead to increased hydrostatic pressure, pulmonary edema, and pleural effusion (particularly important in cats). The volume required for fluid resuscitation is approximately 1/3 that of hetastarch. May cause immunologic reactions (IgG antibodies), though anaphylaxis is rare. Laboratory Interference: HG-200 severely impacts colorimetric laboratory tests, optical coagulation assays, and urine dipsticks. PCV and RBC counts are inaccurate measures of anemia for 24 hours post-administration due to dilutional effects.
Monitoring
- Hemoglobin levels
- Clinical signs of adequate tissue oxygenation
- Central venous pressure (CVP) and signs of circulatory overload
- Respiratory rate and effort (watch for pulmonary edema)
- Heart rate and rhythm (watch for arrhythmias)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Administered intravenously. Peak plasma hemoglobin concentrations increase dose-dependently (e.g., ~2.5 g/dL at 15 mL/kg).
Distribution
Remains primarily in the intravascular space where it acts as a potent colloid. Duration of effect continues for at least 24 hours.
Metabolism
Metabolized and eliminated by the reticuloendothelial system, similar to endogenous hemoglobin.
Elimination
Small amounts of unstabilized hemoglobin (<5%) may be excreted through the kidneys, causing red discoloration of the urine. Detectable in plasma for 5-7 days.
Overdose
Clinical signs of overdosage (1 to 3 times the recommended dose) include yellow-orange discoloration of skin, mucous membranes, and sclera; red-dark-green-black feces; brown-black urine; decreased appetite/thirst; vomiting; diarrhea; and decreased skin elasticity. Overdosage or excessively rapid administration (>10 mL/kg/hr) may result in severe circulatory overload (pulmonary edema, pleural effusion).
Available products
Formulations
- Intravenous infusion bags (60 mL, 125 mL)
Veterinary
- Hemoglobin Glutamer-200 (bovine) 13 g/dL in 60 mL and 125 mL ready-to-use infusion bags (Oxyglobin)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature or refrigerated (2°-30°C) for up to 3 years. Do not freeze. Must remain in its foil overwrap during storage to protect the hemoglobin from converting to methemoglobin. Once removed from the overwrap, it should be used within 24 hours.
Client information
Important Note: This medication is a temporary "blood substitute" used in life-threatening emergencies when real blood is unavailable or incompatible.
- Discoloration is Normal: Your pet's gums, skin, eyes, and urine may turn yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is a harmless effect of the drug and will pass over several days.
- Watch for Breathing Issues: Because this fluid pulls water into the blood vessels, it can cause fluid buildup in the lungs. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet breathes rapidly, coughs, or seems to struggle for air.
- Cost & Risks: This is an intensive care medication with significant costs and potential risks. Your veterinarian will discuss the risk-to-benefit ratio with you before use.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.