When administered intravenously, Lactated Ringer's Injection provides a source of water and electrolytes. The electrolyte content resembles that of the principal ionic constituents of normal plasma and the solution therefore is suitable for parenteral replacement of extracellular losses of fluid and electrolytes.
Contraindications:
Solutions containing lactate are NOT FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS.
Warnings:
Solutions containing calcium ions should not be administered simultaneously through the same administration set as blood because of the likelihood of coagulation.
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.
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.
In patients with diminished renal function, administration of solutions containing sodium or potassium ions may result in sodium or potassium retention.
Solutions containing lactate ions should be used with great care in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. The administration of lactate ions should be done with great care where there is an increased level or an impaired utilization of lactate ions, as in 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. 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.
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 parenteral fluids, especially those containing sodium ions, to patients receiving corticosteroids or corticotropin.
Potassium containing solutions should be used with caution in the presence of cardiac disease, particularly in digitalized patients or in the presence of renal disease.
Solutions containing lactate ions should be used with caution as excess administration may result in metabolic alkalosis.
Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged. Discard unused portion.
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.
Overdosage:
In the event of overhydration or solute overload, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures.
Dosage and Administration:
Lactated Ringer's 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 3 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.
Drug Interactions
Additives may be incompatible. Consult additive manufacturer. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store.
The presence of calcium limits their compatibility with certain drugs that form precipitates of calcium salts, and also prohibits their simultaneous infusion through the same administration set as blood because of the likelihood of coagulation.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Instructions For Use:
To Open:
Tear outer wrap at notch and remove solution container. If supplemental medication is desired, follow directions below before preparing for administration. 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.
To Add Medication
1. Prepare additive port.
2. 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.
3. The additive port may be protected by covering with an additive cap.
4. Mix container contents thoroughly.
Preparation for Administration
(Use aseptic technique)
1. Close flow control clamp of administration set.
2. Remove cover from outlet port at bottom of container.
3. Insert piercing pin of administration set into port with a twisting motion until the set is firmly seated. NOTE: See full directions on administration set carton.
4. Suspend container from hanger.
5. Squeeze and release drip chamber to establish proper fluid level in chamber.
6. Open flow control clamp and clear air from set. Close clamp.
7. Attach set to venipuncture device. If device is not indwelling, prime and make venipuncture.
8. Regulate rate of administration with flow control clamp.
When ready for use, remove from over wrap. Inspect for minute leaks by squeezing container firmly. If leaks are found, discard, as sterility may be impaired. Protect from freezing and excessive heat. Store at controlled room temperature.
IMPORTANT: CONTAINS NO PRESERVATIVE. SINGLE DOSE. DISPOSE OF UNUSED CONTENTS.
WARNING: DO NOT USE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER IN SERIES CONNECTIONS.Protect from freezing and excessive heat (any temperature above 40°C / 104°F). Store at controlled room temperature. (15° to 30°C / 59° to 86°F).
Keep Out of Reach of Children
Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian
How Supplied:
Flexible plastic bag of 1000 ml. Contains no preservatives.
Vetivex Veterinary Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP
Dechra Veterinary Products
