Parenteral electrolyte combination (Injection)

Introduction

Provides your body with needed electrolytes when you are dehydrated or cannot eat food by mouth. You also may need this medicine if you have certain metabolic or nutrition problems, or serious medical problems such as AIDS, cancer, or burns.

Brand Name(s)

Ionosol B/5% Dextrose, Normosol-R w/5% Dextrose, TPN Electrolytes II Multiple Electrolyte Additive, Isolyte S, Isolyte H w/Dextrose, Ionosol T and 5% Dextrose, Isolyte P w/Dextrose

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets. Follow any special instructions about how to throw away empty medicine bottles, tubes, or bags.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.You may need to mix this medicine with another solution before using it.
• Do not use this medicine if the liquid looks cloudy or has solid pieces floating in it. Do not use the medicine if it is leaking from the bag or container. If your medicine comes in a single-dose vial, throw away any medicine that is left over after you have removed your dose from the vial. Carefully follow all instructions for preparing and using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking corticotropin or other steroids such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®. There are other medicines that may interact with parenteral electrolyte combinations. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Do not use any other mineral supplements or electrolytes (such as GoLYTELY®, Pedialyte®, or Gatorade®) without asking your doctor first.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Your electrolyte needs may be different than normal.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of breathing problems, diabetes, liver problems, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or if you are on a low salt diet. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had recent problems with swelling or retaining (keeping) fluid, or a recent surgery or serious injury. Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with the levels of sodium (salt) or potassium in your blood. Make sure your doctor knows about any other health problems you may have.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Giving this medicine too quickly may be dangerous, even life-threatening. Follow the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist when using this medicine. Always use the IV pump and other equipment as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Confusion, weakness, trouble moving, or seizures.
• New coughing or trouble breathing.
• Heartbeat that is uneven or too fast.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the medicine is given.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, or rapid weight gain.
• Trouble urinating, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle cramps.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088