Sodium Bicarbonate

APP Pharmaceuticals, LLC

Sodium Bicarbonate

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• SODIUM BICARBONATE DESCRIPTION
• CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
• SODIUM BICARBONATE INDICATIONS AND USAGE
• SODIUM BICARBONATE CONTRAINDICATIONS
• PRECAUTIONS
  • General
  • Pregnancy Category C
• SODIUM BICARBONATE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
• HOW SUPPLIED

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

4.2% NEUTRALIZING ADDITIVE SOLUTION

2.5 mEq/5 mL

SODIUM BICARBONATE DESCRIPTION

Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of sodium bicarbonate in Water for Injection.  It is administered by the intravenous route only after addition as a neutralizing agent to an acidic large volume parenteral solution.

Each mL contains: Sodium bicarbonate 42 mg (0.5 mEq each of Na⁺ and HCO₃ ^– ).  Total sodium (Na ⁺ ) content of each 5 mL is 57.5 mg (11.5 mg/mL).  pH adjusted with carbon dioxide and as a result, pressure may be present.

The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer.  pH 7.0–8.5 and the osmolar concentration is 1 mOsmol/mL.

Sodium Bicarbonate, USP is chemically designated as NaHCO₃, a white crystalline powder soluble in water.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

The acid pH of most intravenous solutions has been implicated as a factor in the production of postinfusion (chemical) phlebitis not caused by obvious infection.  Vein irritation, with local redness and tenderness near the site of venipuncture or along the course of a vein, appears to be related to the nature of the substances in the infusion and the speed (insufficient dilution by the bloodstream) as well as the duration (prolonged exposure of the intima) of infusion.  Other contributing factors include the size of the vein used for venipuncture, shape or method of insertion of the venipuncture needle, the use or type of indwelling catheter, infection at the infusion site and the age of the patient (children and females seem to be more susceptible).

The pH of commonly used dextrose infusion solution ranges from 3.5 to 6.5.  Other commonly used solutions also may have an acid pH.  Since parenteral solutions with a low (acid) pH are known to cause chemical irritation of tissues, it is not surprising that chemical phlebitis may occur as a complication with their infusion.  Vein irritation is most likely when the duration of infusion is long or when hemo-dilution is minimized by a large needle in a small vein.  The amount of sodium bicarbonate recommended as an additive to neutralize acid parenteral solutions is too small to exert a clinically significant increase in electrolyte content.

SODIUM BICARBONATE INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution is indicated for use as a neutralizing solution to raise the pH of acid solutions administered intravenously to reduce the incidence of chemical phlebitis and patient discomfort due to vein irritation at or near the site of infusion.

SODIUM BICARBONATE CONTRAINDICATIONS

Not for use as a systematic alkalizer.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Solutions prepared with Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution should be administered promptly.  When introducing additive, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store.

When Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution is added to solutions, the compatibility of these solutions with other drugs may be altered.  (See Compatibility section under Sodium Bicarbonate in Handbook on Injectable Drugs by Lawrence A. Trissel.)

Raising the pH of IV fluids with Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution will only reduce the incidence of chemical irritation caused by the infusate; it will not diminish any foreign body effects caused by the needle or catheter.

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with sodium bicarbonate.  It is also not known whether sodium bicarbonate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.  Sodium bicarbonate should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

SODIUM BICARBONATE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

One vial (5 mL) of Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution added to a liter (1,000 mL) of any of the following parenteral solutions will increase the pH to a more physiologic range.  Specific pH may vary slightly from lot to lot.

5% Alcohol and D5-W

5% Dextrose and Ringer’s

5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

2.5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

5% and 0.225% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

2.5% Dextrose Injection, USP

5% Dextrose Injection, USP

10% Dextrose Injection, USP

20% Dextrose Injection, USP

10% Invert Sugar

Lactated Ringer’s

Ringer’s Injection

0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

Sodium Lactate 1/6 Molar

NOTE: Some products such as amino acid solutions and multiple electrolyte solutions

 containing dextrose will NOT be brought to near physiologic pH by the addition of

 Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution.  This is due to the relatively

 high buffer capacity of these fluids.

COMPATIBILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SODIUM BICARBONATE 4.2% NEUTRALIZING ADDITIVE SOLUTION WITH ADDITIVES TO
5% DEXTROSE INJECTION (D5-W)

When medications are added to intravenous solutions, the resultant admixture may or may not be compatible in solutions containing Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution.  (See Compatibility section under Sodium Bicarbonate in Handbook on Injectable Drugs by Lawrence A. Trissel.)

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

HOW SUPPLIED

Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% Neutralizing Additive Solution supplied as:

Preservative Free.  Discard Unused Portion.

No stabilizers.  Sterile, Nonpyrogenic.

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Use only if solution is clear and seal intact.

45782C

Revised: April 2008

PACKAGE LABEL - PRINCIPAL DISPLAY - SODIUM BICARBONATE 5 mL Single Dose Vial Label

NDC 63323-026-05

2605

Sodium Bicarbonate

4.2 % (2.5 mEq/5 mL)

Neutralizing Additive Solution

Not for Direct Injection

5 mL Single dose Vial

Rx only