Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride

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.

Consult the manufacturer's instructions for choice of vehicle, appropriate dilution or volume for dissolving the drugs to be injected, including the route and rate of injection.

Inspect reconstituted (diluted or dissolved) drugs for clarity (if soluble) and freedom from unexpected precipitation or discoloration prior to administration.

Pregnancy Category C. 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.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population are based on the similarity of the clinical conditions of the pediatric and adult populations. However, due to potential toxicity of benzyl alcohol in neonates, solutions containing benzyl alcohol are contraindicated in this patient population.

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.

Use only as a diluent or solvent. This parenteral preparation is unlikely to pose a threat of sodium chloride or fluid overload except possibly in neonates and very small infants. In the event these should occur, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures. See PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS.

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.