INJECTION & INTRAVENOUS INFUSION
CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being given Sodium Chloride Injection or Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion against the benefits they expect it to have for you.
This medicine is likely to be used while you are at the clinic or in hospital. If possible, please read this leaflet carefully before this medicine is given to you. In some cases this leaflet may be given to you after the medicine has been used.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION and SODIUM CHLORIDE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION are used for
Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion are given to patients who have low levels of sodium or chloride. These chemicals are naturally present in body fluids and are needed for normal body function.
Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Intravenous Infusion may also be used for the dilution of other medicines before injecting into the body.
Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion may be used for the management of other conditions that are not mentioned above. Your doctor will be able to tell you about the specific condition for which you have been prescribed Sodium Chloride.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you are treated with SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION or SODIUM CHLORIDE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION
When you must not be given it
It may not be safe for you to be given sodium chloride, if you are not sure, check with your doctor.
Do not use it after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the label.
Do not use if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Do not use unless the solution is clear and the seal is intact.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if:
1. you have any allergies to:
any other medicine
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
2. you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefit of being given Sodium Chloride Injection or Intravenous Infusion during pregnancy.
3. you are breastfeeding or plan to breast feed
it is not known whether sodium chloride passes into breast milk. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits being given Sodium Chloride Injection or Intravenous Infusion whilst breastfeeding.
4. you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
heart disease
kidney problems
liver disease
swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
breathlessness, which may be severe and usually worsens when lying down
any condition for which you are taking corticosteroids or corticotrophin
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may affect the way sodium chloride works. Your doctor will advise you about continuing to take other medicines.
How SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION or SODIUM CHLORIDE INTRAVENOUS INFUSION is given
Sodium Chloride Injection may be given as an injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion given through slow injection into your veins (this is called an intravenous infusion). Both will be given by your doctor or a specially trained nurse.
Your doctor will decide what dose, how often and how long you will receive it. This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight, age, blood tests, how well your kidneys are working, and whether or not other medicines are being given at the same time.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Never administer this medicine yourself.
If you are given too much (overdose)
This rarely happens as Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion are administered under the care of a highly trained doctor or nurse.
However, if you are given too much sodium chloride you may experience some of the effects listed under "Side Effects" below.
Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given Sodium Chloride Injection or Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion.
Like other medicines, sodium chloride can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or nurse to answer any questions that you may have.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
fast heart beat
difficulty breathing
headache or dizziness
sleepiness or confusion
These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
nausea and vomiting
stomach cramps
diarrhoea
thirst, dry mouth
sweats
swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
muscle twitches or cramps
restlessness or irritability
fever
watery eyes
These are the more common side effects of sodium chloride. Mostly these are mild and short-lived.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Some side effects may only be seen by your doctor.
Storage
Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion should be stored below 25°C.
Product Description
What it looks like
Sodium chloride 0.9% solution as Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion is a clear, colourless solution contained in plastic ampoules or vials.
Ingredients
Sodium Chloride Injection and Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion contain sodium chloride in Water for Injections. They do not contain a preservative.
