PRECAUTIONS
General
Do not connect flexible plastic containers of intravenous solutions in series, i.e., do not piggyback connections. Such use could result in air embolism due to residual air being drawn from one container before administration of the fluid from a secondary container is completed.
Pressurizing intravenous solutions contained in flexible plastic containers to increase flow rates can result in air embolism if the residual air in the container is not fully evacuated prior to administration.
Use of a vented intravenous administration set with the vent in the open position could result in air embolism. Vented intravenous administration sets with the vent in the open position should not be used with flexible plastic containers.
Do not administer simultaneously with blood.
5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) should be used with caution. Excess administration may result in metabolic alkalosis.
5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) should be used with caution in patients with overt or subclinical diabetes mellitus.
Laboratory Tests
Clinical evaluation and periodic laboratory determinations are necessary to monitor changes in fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid base balance during prolonged parenteral therapy or whenever the condition of the patient warrants such evaluation.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
Studies with 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility.
Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP). It is also not known whether 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Labor and Delivery
Studies have not been conducted to evaluate the effects of 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) on labor and delivery. Caution should be exercised when administering this drug during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) is administered to a nursing mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) in pediatric patients have not been established by adequate and well controlled trials, however, the use of dextrose and electrolytes solutions in the pediatric population is referenced in the medical literature. The warnings, precautions and adverse reactions identified in the label copy should be observed in the pediatric population.
In very low birth weight infants, excessive or rapid administration of dextrose injection may result in increased serum osmolality and possible hemmorhage.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of 5% Dextrose and Electrolyte No. 48 Injection (Multiple Electrolytes and Dextrose Injection, Type 1, USP) did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in the responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or drug therapy.
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.