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Hypertonic Saline
3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
in VIAFLEX Plastic Container

DESCRIPTION

3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, hypertonic solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment in single dose containers for intravenous administration. The pH may have been adjusted with hydrochloric acid. It contains no antimicrobial agents. Composition, ionic concentration, osmolarity, and pH are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

The VIAFLEX plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinyl chloride (PL 146 Plastic). The amount of water that can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap is insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the plastic container can leach out certain of its chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period, e.g., di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), up to 5 parts per million. However, the safety of the plastic has been confirmed in tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers as well as by tissue culture toxicity studies.

INDICATIONS

3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP is indicated as a source of water and electrolytes.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

As directed by a physician. Dosage is dependent upon the age, weight, and clinical condition of the patient as well as laboratory determinations.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Use of a final filter is recommended during administration of all parenteral solutions, where possible.

All injections in VIAFLEX plastic containers are intended for intravenous administration using sterile equipment.

Additives may be incompatible. Complete information is not available. Those additives known to be incompatible should not be used. Consult with pharmacist, if available. If, in the informed judgment of the physician, it is deemed advisable to introduce additives, use aseptic technique. Mix thoroughly when additives have been introduced. Do not store solutions containing additives.

HOW SUPPLIED

3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection,USP in VIAFLEX plastic container is available as follows:

Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. Avoid excessive heat. It is recommended the product be stored at room temperature (25oC); brief exposure up to 40oC does not adversely affect the product.

Directions for Use of VIAFLEX Plastic Container

Warning: Do not use plastic containers in series connections. Such use could result in air embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is completed.

To Open

Tear overwrap down side at slit and remove solution container. Some opacity of the plastic due to moisture absorption during the sterilization process may be observed. This is normal and does not affect the solution quality or safety. The opacity will diminish gradually. Check for minute leaks by squeezing inner bag firmly. If leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired. If supplemental medication is desired, follow directions below.

Preparation for Administration

1. Suspend container from eyelet support.
2. Remove plastic protector from outlet port at bottom of container.
3. Attach administration set. Refer to complete directions accompanying set.

To Add Medication

Warning: Additives may be incompatible.

To add medication before solution administration

1. Prepare medication site.
2. Using syringe with 19 to 22 gauge needle, puncture resealable medication port and inject.
3. Mix solution and medication thoroughly. For high density medication such as potassium chloride, squeeze ports while ports are upright and mix thoroughly.

To add medication during solution administration

1. Close clamp on the set.
2. Prepare medication site.
3. Using syringe with 19 to 22 gauge needle, puncture resealable medication port and inject.
4. Remove container from IV pole and/or turn to an upright position.
5. Evacuate both ports by squeezing them while container is in the upright position.
6. Mix solution and medication thoroughly.
7. Return container to in use position and continue administration.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015, USA. March 2005. FDA Rev date: n/a

SIDE EFFECTS

Reactions which may occur because of the solution or the technique of administration include febrile response, infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection, extravasation and hypervolemia.

If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures, and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No information provided.

WARNINGS

3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP is strongly hypertonic and may cause vein damage.

3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP should be used with great care, if at all, in patients with congestive heart failure, severe renal insufficiency, and in clinical states in which there exists edema with sodium retention.

In patients with diminished renal function, administration of 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may result in sodium retention.

PRECAUTIONS

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.

Caution must be exercised in the administration of 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to patients receiving corticosteroids or corticotropin.

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. It is also not known whether 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in pediatric patients have not been established by adequate and well controlled trials, however, the use of sodium chloride 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.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of 3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, 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 responses between the 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.

Do not administer unless solution is clear and seal is intact.

OVERDOSE

No information provided.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None known

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP has value as a source of water and electrolytes. It is capable of inducing diuresis depending on the clinical condition of the patient.

PATIENT INFORMATION

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.