What is in this leaflet?
This leaflet answers some common questions about Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion. It does not contain all of the available information. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion against the benefit they expect it will have for you.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What Ringer's Solution IV Infusion is used for
This medicine is used to replace and balance body fluid and mineral salts.
Before you are given Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion
The Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion should not be given to you if:
- you have an allergy to any ingredient listed at the end of this leaflet;
- you have fluid overload or are overhydrated;
- you have swelling and ascitic cirrhosis (abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen due to liver disease);
- you have heart failure;
- you have serious kidney problems where you are passing little or no urine;
- you have too much potassium, sodium, calcium or chlorides in your blood that is not being corrected with medication;
- you are taking digitalis (a heart medication);
- the expiry date printed on the pack is overdue.
You must tell your doctor if you:
- have heart problem;
- have kidney problems including kidney stones;
- are taking any other medicine including those you can buy without a prescription, in particular medicines for high blood pressure (diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARAs), immunosuppressant medicines (tacrolimus or cyclosporin), carbenoxolone, corticosteroids or vitamin D
- are pregnant and have ‘preeclampsia’ (a serious condition in pregnancy that causes high blood pressure)
How Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion is given
How much it is given:
Your doctor will decide how much Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion will be given to you, which depends on your need and condition. The medicine is given by a slow rate (drip) injection; therefore it should be given by using special equipment and attended by a health professional (doctor, trained nurse).
How it is given:
The Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion will be given at a slow rate of injection (drip) by your health professional. Usually, you will need to stay in a health institution (hospital, nursing home, etc.) but in some cases at home, as it requires a special medical equipment to deliver the medicine into your circulation. This delivery should be attended by a health professional. A cannula (administration needle) is placed in a vein by your doctor or nurse.
The infusion is for single use, and for one person only. Any unused portion must be discarded and not used later, either for you or anyone else.
Overdose
The doctor or nurse giving you the Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion has had experience in the use of this sort of medicine, so it is unlikely that you will be given an overdose. However, in case of an overdose, the infusion will be discontinued and another treatment may be needed. You may experience some of the effects listed under “Side Effects” below.
While you are given Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion
Discuss with your doctor the progress you have experienced after the treatment, whether any complication has occurred, especially during the first few days of therapy. Frequent clinical evaluation and laboratory tests may be required. As Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion is normally given in a hospital, your nurse provider will take records of the progress and unexpected reactions.
Side effects
As with any medicines, some side effects may occur. Undesirable side effects such as a build-up of fluid and swelling of the hands, ankles and feet may occur. Additionally, as with other preparations similar to Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion, pain, irritation, inflammation, swelling or abnormal clotting at the site of injection is also possible.
Always tell your doctor or nurse if you have any unexpected effects during or after receiving Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion.
More serious side effects may also occur such as chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat, or swelling of the face, lips or mouth causing breathing difficulties. If these occur, tell your health professional on duty immediately. These may be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Your health professional will take an appropriate action promptly, such as stopping the infusion.
Product descriptions
What Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion looks like
It is a clear, colourless solution filled in plastic bags.
What is in Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion?
The active components are Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Calcium Chloride, formulated and dissolved in water for injection. The bag pack sizes are included below:
AHB2304
Potassium Chloride (300mg/L), Sodium Chloride (8.6g/L), Calcium Chloride (330mg/L)
AUST R 19443
1000mL
How to store Ringers Solution IV Infusion
Ringer’s Solution IV Infusion will be stored in the pharmacy or the hospital ward. It is recommended that the product be stored below 30°C.
Where can you get more information?
You can get more information from your doctor or pharmacist.
Name and address of the sponsor
Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd
1 Baxter Drive
Old Toongabbie NSW 2146
Date of preparation:
March 2014
Published by MIMS July 2019