Physiolyte

Physiolyte is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of electrolytes in water for injection intended only for sterile irrigation, washing, and rinsing purposes.

Each 100 mL contains:
Sodium Chloride USP 0.53 g; Sodium Gluconate USP 0.5 g
Sodium Acetate Trihydrate USP 0.37 g; Potassium Chloride
USP 0.037 g; Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate USP 0.03 g
Water for Injection USP qs
Glacial Acetic Acid USP has been added to adjust the pH

pH: 6.8 (6.3–7.3)
Calculated Osmolarity: The solution is isotonic (295 mOsmol/liter)

Concentration of Electrolytes (mEq/liter): Sodium 140
Potassium 5; Magnesium 3; Chloride 98; Acetate (CH3COO−) 27
Gluconate (HOCH2(CHOH)4COO−) 23

It contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer (except for pH adjustment) and is intended only for use as a single-dose or short procedure irrigation. When smaller volumes are required the unused portion should be discarded.

Physiolyte may be classified as a sterile irrigant, wash, rinse and pharmaceutical vehicle.

The formulas of the active ingredients are:

The plastic container is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene formulated and developed for parenteral drugs. The copolymer contains no plasticizers and exhibits virtually no leachability. The plastic container is also virtually impermeable to vapor transmission and therefore, requires no overwrap to maintain the proper drug concentration. The safety of the plastic container has been confirmed by biological evaluation procedures. The material passes Class VI testing as specified in the U.S. Pharmacopeia for Biological Tests. The safety of the plastic has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological standards for plastic containers.

Not made with natural rubber latex, PVC or DEHP.

Physiolyte is not for injection by usual parenteral routes.

An electrolyte solution should not be used for irrigation during electrosurgical procedures.

FOR IRRIGATION ONLY. NOT FOR INJECTION.

Irrigating fluids have been demonstrated to enter the systemic circulation in relatively large volumes; thus, irrigation solutions must be regarded as systemic drugs. Absorption of large amounts can cause fluid and/or solute overload resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema.

The risk of dilutional states is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of the administered parenteral solutions. The risk of solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentrations.

Do not warm above 150°F (66°C).

After opening container, it's contents should be used promptly to minimize the possibility of bacterial growth or pyrogen formation.

Discard unused portion of irrigating solution since it contains no preservatives.

General

Use aseptic technique when preparing and administering sterile irrigation solutions for irrigating body cavities, wounds and urethral catheters or for wetting dressings that come in contact with the body tissues. Use only if solution is clear and container and seal are intact.

Do not use for irrigation that may result in absorption of large amounts into the blood.

Caution should be observed when the solution is used for continuous irrigation or allowed to "dwell" inside body cavities because of possible absorption into the blood stream and the production of circulatory overload.

When used as a "pour" irrigation, no part of the contents should be allowed to contact the surface below the outer protected thread area of the plastic irrigation container. When used for irrigation via appropriate irrigation equipment, the administration set should be attached promptly. Unused portions should be discarded and a fresh container of appropriate size used for the start up of each cycle or repeat procedure. For repeated irrigations of urethral catheters, a separate container should be used for each patient.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Studies with Physiolyte™ (A Physiological Irrigating Solution) have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Physiolyte™ (A Physiological Irrigating Solution). It is also not known whether Physiolyte™ (A Physiological Irrigating Solution) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Physiolyte™ (A Physiological Irrigating Solution) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

Caution should be exercised when Physiolyte is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Physiolyte in pediatric patients have not been established. Its limited use in pediatric patients has been inadequate to fully define proper dosage and limitations for use.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Physiolyte™ (A Physiological Irrigating Solution) have not been performed to determine whether patients over 65 years of age respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other 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.

Use in Patients with Renal Insufficiency/Failure

Clinical studies of Physiolyte™ (A Physiological Irrigation Solution) have not been performed to determine whether patients with renal failure respond differently from those with normal renal function. Given the potential for systemic absorption, the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Increased caution should be exercised when administering Physiolyte to patients with impaired fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.

Possible adverse effects arising from the irrigation of body cavities, tissues, or indwelling catheters and tubes can be minimized when proper procedures are followed. Displaced catheters or drainage tubes can lead to irrigation or infiltration of unintended structures or cavities. Excessive volume or pressure during irrigation of closed cavities may cause undue distension or disruption of tissues. Accidental contamination from careless technique may transmit infection.

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

In the event of overhydration or solute overload, reevaluate the patient's condition, and institute appropriate corrective treatment. Intravascular volume overload may respond to hemodialysis. See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS.