What is Kabiven used for?

Kabiven is used to provide nutrition (calories, protein, and fats) to adults through an IV when they cannot eat or digest food normally.

Can Kabiven be used for children?

No, Kabiven is not recommended for children under 2 years old because it does not meet their specific nutritional needs.

Can I take Kabiven if I am allergic to eggs or soy?

No, you should not use Kabiven if you have a known allergy to egg, soybean, or peanut.

What are the most common side effects of Kabiven?

Common side effects include nausea, fever, high blood pressure, vomiting, and changes in protein or potassium levels.

Is there a risk of liver disease with Kabiven?

Yes, using parenteral nutrition for more than 2 weeks may increase the risk of liver disease, so liver tests should be monitored.

Can Kabiven be mixed with other medicines in the same IV line?

You must not mix Kabiven with the antibiotic ceftriaxonone in the same line, as this can cause dangerous particles to form.

Will Kabiven affect my blood thinners like Warfarin?

Yes, the soybean oil in Kabiven contains Vitamin K, which can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Kabiven?

Stop the infusion immediately and seek medical help if you experience hives, rash, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat.

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Parenteral nutrition (intravenous nutrition)

Kabiven is a specialized nutritional solution used for intravenous infusion. It provides essential calories, proteins, electrolytes, and fatty acids for adult patients who cannot eat or receive nutrition through their digestive tract.

How it worksKabiven provides the body with the basic building blocks of nutrition—amino acids for protein, dextrose for energy, and lipids for calories and essential fats—directly into the bloodstream.

Brand names:Kabiven

Used for

Providing calories, protein, electrolytes, and essential fatty acids through an IVPreventing essential fatty acid deficiencyTreating negative nitrogen balance in adults

Conditions

Malnutrition requiring parenteral nutrition

Class

Parenteral nutritionAmino acidsLipid emulsionDextroseParenteral nutrition (intravenous nutrition)Nutritional/MetabolicGastrointestinalHepatic

How to take

FormsThree-chamber intravenous infusion bag

RoutesIntravenous (IV) infusion into a central vein only

Dosage is determined by a healthcare provider based on individual needs; do not exceed the recommended maximum infusion rate of 2.6 mL/kg/hour.

The solution must be mixed thoroughly by inverting the bag before use. It must be infused through a central vein using a 1.2 micron in-line filter.

Missed dose: If a dose is missed, contact your healthcare provider. Do not attempt to adjust the infusion rate yourself.

Key warnings

·Do not use in children under 2 years old as it does not meet their specific nutritional needs.
·Rapid infusion in infants can lead to serious breathing problems, metabolic issues, or death.
·Long-term use (more than 2 weeks) may increase the risk of liver disease.
·Mixing Kabiven with the antibiotic ceftriaxonone in the same IV line can cause dangerous particles to form in the blood.
·Patients with severe lipid metabolism disorders (very high triglycerides) should not use this product.
·Monitor for signs of infection, fat overload, or blood sugar changes during use.

Do not use if

·Infants 28 days of age or younger receiving ceftriaxonone.
·People with known allergies to egg, soybean, peanut, or any ingredients in Kabiven.
·People with severe lipid metabolism disorders (triglycerides > 1,000 mg/dL).
·People with inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.
·People with heart or lung instability.
·People with hemophagocytic syndrome.

Side effects

Common

NauseaFeverHigh blood pressureVomitingDecreased hemoglobinDecreased total proteinLow potassium levels

Serious

·Liver disease (PNALD)
·Lung issues like pulmonary embolism or respiratory distress
·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
·Infections
·Fat overload syndrome
·Refeeding syndrome
·High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
·Extremely high triglycerides
·Vein damage or blood clots
·Aluminum toxicity

Seek help if

·Difficulty breathing
·Rapid or weak heartbeat
·Fainting
·Swelling or hives
·Severe abdominal pain

Interactions

·Warfarin and other blood thinners (Kabiven contains Vitamin K1, which can make these drugs less effective).
·Ceftriaxonone (can cause dangerous precipitates in the blood if mixed in the same line).

FoodContains soybean oil and egg yolk phospholipids; avoid if allergic to soy or egg.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is not enough data to know the exact risks to a developing baby. However, severe malnutrition in a pregnant woman is dangerous, so doctors may consider parenteral nutrition if the mother cannot eat enough.

BreastfeedingThere is no data available on whether Kabiven passes into breast milk or how it might affect a nursing baby.

PediatricKabiven is not recommended for children under 2 years old. It is not proven safe or effective for pediatric use, and the formulation does not meet the specific nutritional requirements for young children or infants.

GeriatricClinical studies have not specifically looked at patients over 65. Doctors should use caution and typically start with lower doses in elderly patients due to potential changes in liver, kidney, or heart function.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Liver function tests
·Blood glucose levels
·Triglyceride levels
·Signs of infection
·Signs of allergic reaction
·Signs of respiratory distress

Questions to ask

·Is my liver function being monitored while using Kabiven?
·Are my electrolyte levels being checked regularly?
·Are there any conflicts between Kabiven and my current antibiotics?
·How will my blood thinner dosage be adjusted if I start Kabiven?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismLipid particles are cleared from the blood similarly to chylomicrons; amino acids and dextrose follow normal food metabolism pathways.

Practical

OverdoseIf an overdose occurs, stop the infusion immediately to allow the lipids to clear from the blood. Effects are usually reversible once the infusion is stopped.

StorageOnce activated, the bag can be stored for up to 7 days in a refrigerator (2° to 8°C). Once removed from the fridge, use within 48 hours. If additives are used, use immediately or within 24 hours under refrigeration.

DisposalAny remaining mixture after the allowed storage time must be discarded.

Ingredients

Allergens

eggsoypeanut

Inactive

Water for injectionGlycerinSoybean oilEgg yolk phospholipids

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.