BACTERIOSTATIC SODIUM CHLORIDE

INDICATIONS AND USAGE This parenteral preparation is indicated only for diluting or dissolving drugs for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, according to instructions of the manufacturer of the drug to be administered.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The volume of the preparation to be used for diluting or dissolving any drug for injection, is dependent on the vehicle concentration, dose and route of administration as recommended by the manufacturer. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. See PRECAUTIONS .

WARNINGS Benzyl alcohol, a preservative in Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection, USP has been associated with toxicity in neonates. Data are unavailable on the toxicity of other preservatives in this age group. Preservative-free Sodium Chloride Injection should be used for flushing intravascular catheters. Where a sodium chloride solution is required for preparing or diluting medications for use in neonates, only preservative-free Sodium Chloride Injection should be used.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Due to the potential toxicity of benzyl alcohol in neonates, solutions containing benzyl alcohol must not be used in this patient population. Parenteral preparations with benzyl alcohol should not be used for fluid or sodium chloride replacement. Parenteral preparations containing benzyl alcohol should not be used in epidural or spinal anesthetic procedures.

Drug Interactions Some drugs for injection may be incompatible in a given vehicle, or when combined in the same vehicle or in a vehicle containing benzyl alcohol. Consult with pharmacist, if available. Use aseptic technique for single or multiple entry and withdrawal from all containers. When diluting or dissolving drugs, mix thoroughly and use promptly. Do not store reconstituted solutions of drugs for injection unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer of the solute. Do not use unless the solution is clear and seal intact.

Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Bacteriostatic 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. It is also not known whether Bacteriostatic 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection containing additives can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Bacteriostatic 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection containing additives should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Reactions which may occur because of this solution, added drugs or the technique of reconstitution or administration include febrile response, local tenderness, abscess, tissue necrosis or infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection and extravasation. If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate countermeasures, and if possible, retrieve and save the remainder of the unused vehicle for examination. Although adverse reactions to intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of 0.9% benzyl alcohol are not known to occur in man, experimental studies of small volume parenteral preparations containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol in several species of animals have indicated that an estimated intravenous dose up to 30 mL may be safely given to an adult without toxic effects. Administration of an estimated 9 mL to a 6 kg neonate or infant is potentially capable of producing blood pressure changes.