Normosol-R

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Normosol-R pH 7.4 is indicated for replacement of acute extracellular fluid volume losses in surgery, trauma, burns or shock. Normosol-R pH 7.4 also can be used as an adjunct to restore a decrease in circulatory volume in patients with moderate blood loss. Normosol-R pH 7.4 is not intended to supplant transfusion of whole blood or packed red cells in the presence of uncontrolled hemorrhage or severe reductions of red cell volume. Normosol-R pH 7.4 is particularly valuable as a solution for use in starting blood, i.e., as a priming solution for the infusion set. No hemolysis of blood is seen at the interface or with mixed solution and blood. It may also be used as a diluent to aid in the transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC). Normosol-R pH 7.4 and physiologic saline solution (0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP) are compatible with both young and old PRBC.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Normosol-R pH 7.4 is administered by intravenous infusion. It may also be administered subcutaneously. The amount to be infused is based on replacement of losses of extracellular fluid volume in the individual patient. Up to three times the volume of estimated blood loss during and after surgery can be given to correct circulatory volume when there is only a moderate loss of blood. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. See PRECAUTIONS. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE To Open Tear outer wrap at notch 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. If supplemental medication is desired, follow directions below before preparing for administration. To Add Medication Prepare additive port. Using aseptic technique and an additive delivery needle of appropriate length, puncture resealable additive port at target area, inner diaphragm and inject. Withdraw needle after injecting medication. The additive port may be protected by covering with an additive cap. Mix container contents thoroughly. To Administer Attach administration set per manufacturer’s instructions. Regulate rate of administration per institutional policy. WARNING: DO NOT USE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER IN SERIES CONNECTIONS.

WARNINGS Solutions containing sodium ions 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. Solutions which contain potassium should be used with great care, if at all, in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal failure and in conditions in which potassium retention is present. In patients with diminished renal function, administration of solutions containing sodium or potassium ions may result in sodium or potassium retention. 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 during fluid replacement with Normosol-R. Solutions containing acetate or gluconate ions should be used with great care in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. Acetate or gluconate should be administered with great care in those conditions in which there is an increased level or an impaired utilization of these ions, such as severe hepatic insufficiency. The intravenous administration of this solution can cause fluid and/or solute overloading resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema. Elderly patients may be at increased risk for the development of fluid overloading and dilutional hyponatremia following Normosol-R administration. The risk of dilutional states is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of administered parenteral solutions. The risk of solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of such solutions.

CONTRAINDICATIONS None known.

Drug Interactions Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store. Normosol-R pH 7.4 does not contain calcium to avoid precipitation of calcium salts that may occur when certain drugs are added. Solutions which contain calcium in amounts exceeding the normal plasma concentration may enhance clotting on contact with citrated blood. Hence, Normosol-R pH 7.4 can be used for starting a blood transfusion.

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Normosol-R pH 7.4. It is also not known whether this solution can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. This solution should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS 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.