Medicinally, dextran is used as an antithrombotic (antiplatelet), to reduce blood viscosity, and as a volume expander in hypovolaemia.
Strucural Formula:

Other medical uses:
1. It is used in some eye drops as a lubricant. and in certain intravenous fluids to solubilize other factors, such as iron (in a solution known as Iron Dextran).
2. Intravenous solutions with dextran function both as volume expanders and means of parenteral nutrition. Such a solution provides an osmotically neutral fluid that once in the body is digested by cells into glucose and free water. It is occasionally used to replace lost blood in emergency situations, when replacement blood is not available, but must be used with caution as it does not provide necessary electrolytes and can cause hyponatremia or other electrolyte disturbances.
3. It also increases blood sugar levels.