Benzyl alcohol, a preservative in Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection, USP has been associated with toxicity in neonates. Data are unavailable on the toxicity of other preservatives in this age group. Preservative-free Sodium Chloride Injection should be used for flushing intravascular catheters. Where a sodium chloride solution is required for preparing or diluting medications for use in neonates, only preservative-free Sodium Chloride Injection should be used.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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