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General Injectables And Vaccines, Inc Drugs

Haloperidol Lactate

Haloperidol Lactate

There is considerable variation from patient to patient in the amount of medication required for treatment. As with all drugs used to treat schizophrenia, dosage should be individualized according to the needs and response of each patient. Dosage adjustments, either upward or downward, should be carried out as rapidly as practicable to achieve optimum therapeutic control.To determine the initial dosage, consideration should be given to the patient's age, severity of illness, previous response to other antipsychotic drugs, and any concomitant medication or disease state. Debilitated or geriatric patients, as well as those with a history of adverse reactions to antipsychotic drugs, may require less haloperidol. The optimal response in such patients is usually obtained with more gradual dosage adjustments and at lower dosage levels.

Parenteral medication, administered intramuscularly in doses of 2 to 5 mg, is utilized for prompt control of the acutely agitated schizophrenic patient with moderately severe to very severe symptoms. Depending on the response of the patient, subsequent doses may be given, administered as often as every hour, although 4 to 8 hour intervals may be satisfactory.

Controlled trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of intramuscular administration in children have not been conducted.

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

Switchover Procedure

An oral form should supplant the injectable as soon as practicable. In the absence of bioavailability studies establishing bioequivalence between these two dosage forms the following guidelines for dosage are suggested. For an initial approximation of the total daily dose required, the parenteral dose administered in the preceding 24 hours may be used. Since this dose is only an initial estimate, it is recommended that careful monitoring of clinical signs and symptoms, including clinical efficacy, sedation, and adverse effects, be carried out periodically for the first several days following the initiation of switchover. In this way, dosage adjustments, either upward or downward, can be quickly accomplished. Depending on the patient's clinical status, the first oral dose should be given within 12 to 24 hours following the last parenteral dose.
Dopamine Hydrochloride

Dopamine Hydrochloride

WARNING: This is a potent drug; it must be diluted before administration to the patient.

Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is administered (only after dilution) by intravenous infusion.

Suggested Dilution- For the 40 mg/mL preparation, transfer by aseptic technique the contents containing either 5 mL, 200 mg or 10 mL, 400 mg of Dopamine Hydrochlroide to either a 250 mL or 500 mL bottle of one of the sterile I.V. solutions listed below. For the 80 mg/mL preparation, transfer by aseptic technique the contents containing 10 mL, 800 mg of Dopamine Hydrochloride to a 250 mL, 500 mL or 1000 mL bottle of one of the following sterile I.V. solutions:

Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP has been found to be stable for a minimum of 24 hours after dilution in the foregoing I.V. solutions. However, as with all I.V. admixtures, dilution should be made just prior to administration.

Do NOT add Dopamine Hydrochloride to Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP or oterh alkaline I.V. solutions, since the drug is inactivated in alkaline solution.

Rate of Adminstration- Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP after dilution, is administered intravenously by infusion via a suitable I.V. catheter or needle. When administering Dopamine Hydrochloride (or any potent medication) by continuous intravenous infusion, it is advisable to use a precision volume control I.V. set. Each patient must be individually titrated to the desired hemodynamic or renal response to dopamine.

In titrating to the desired increase in systolic blood pressure, the optimum dosage rate for renal response may be exceeded, thus necessitating a reduction in rate after the hemodynamic condition is stabilized.

Administration at rates greated than 50 mcg/kg/min have safely been used in advanced circulatory decompensation states. If unneccessary fluid expansion is of concern, adjustment of drug concentration may be preferred over increasing the flow rate of a less concentrated dilution.

Suggested Regimen:

1. When appropriate, increase blood volume with whole blood or plasma until central venous pressure is 10 to 15 cm H2O or pulmonary wedge pressure is 14 to 18 mm Hg.

2. Begin infusion of diluted solution at doses of 2 - 5 mcg/kg/min of Dopamine Hydrochloride in patients who are likely to respond to modest increments of heart ofrce and renal perfusion.

In more seriously ill patients, begin infusion of diluted solution at doses of 5 mcg/kg/min of Dopamine Hydrochloride and increase gradually using 5 to 10 mcg/kg/min increments up to a rate of 20 to 50 mcg/kg/min as needed. If doses in excess of 50 mcg/kg/min are required, it is advisable to check urine output frequently. Should urinary flow begin to decrease in the absence of hypotension, reduction of dopamine dosage should be considered. Multiclinic trials have shown that more than 50 percent of patients have been satisfactorily maintained on doses less than 20 mcg/kg/min.

In patients who do not respond to these doses with adequate arterial pressures or urine flow, additional increments of dopemine may be given in an effort to produce an appropriate arterial pressure and central perfusion.

3. Treatment of all patients requires constant evaluation of therapy in terms of blood volume, augmentation of cardiac contractility, and distribution of peripheral perfusion.

Dosage of dopamine should be adjusted according to the patient's response, with particular attention to diminution of established urine flow rate, increasing tachycardia or development of new dysrhythmias as indices for decreasing or temporarily suspending the dosage.

4. As with all potent intravenously administered drugs, care should be taken to control the rate of administration to avoid inadvertent administration of a bolus of the drug.

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

Esmolol Hydrochloride

Dosing Information:

SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Dosage needs to be titrated, using ventricular rate as the guide.

An initial loading dose of 0.5 milligrams/kg (500 micrograms/kg) infused over a minute duration followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.05 milligrams/kg/min (50 micrograms/kg/min) for the next 4 minutes is recommended. This should give a rough guide with respect to the responsiveness of ventricular rate.

After the 4 minutes of initial maintenance infusion (total treatment duration being 5 minutes), depending upon the desired ventricular response, the maintenance of infusion may be continued at 0.05 mg/kg/min or increased step-wise (e.g. 0.1 mg/kg/min, 0.15 mg/kg/min to a maximum of 0.2 mg/kg/min) with each step being maintained for 4 or more minutes.

If more rapid slowing of ventricular response is imperative, the 0.5 mg/kg loading dose infused over a 1 minute period may be repeated, followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.1 mg/kg/min for 4 minutes. Then, depending upon ventricular rate, another (and final) loading dose of 0.5 mg/kg/min infused over a 1 minute period may be administered followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.15 mg/kg/min. If needed, after 4 minutes of the 0.15 mg/kg/min maintenance infusion, the maintenance infusion may be increased to a maximum of 0.2 mg/kg/min.

In the absence of loading doses, constant infusion of a single concentration of esmolol reaches pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic steady-state in about 30 minutes. Maintenance infusions (with or without loading doses) may be continued for as long as 24 hours.

The following table summarizes the above and assumes that 3 loading doses (the maximum recommended) are infused over 1 minute and incremental maintenance doses are required after each loading dose. There should be no 4th loading dose, but the maintenance dose may be incremented one more time.

In the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia, responses to esmolol usually (over 95%) occur within the range of 50 to 200 micrograms/kg/min (0.05 to 0.2 milligrams/kg/min). The average effective dosage is approximately 100 micrograms/kg/min (0.1 milligrams/kg/min) although dosages as low as 25 micrograms/kg/min (0.025 milligrams/kg/min) have been adequate in some patients. Dosages as high as 300 micrograms/kg/min (0.3 milligrams/kg/min) have been used, but these provide little added effect and increase the rate of adverse effects, so doses greater than 200 micrograms/kg/min are not recommended. Dosage of esmolol in supraventricular tachycardia must be individualized by titration in which each step consists of a loading dosage followed by a maintenance dosage.

This specific dosage regimen has not been studied intraoperatively and, because of the time required for titration, may not be optimal for intraoperative use.

The safety of dosages above 300 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/min) has not been studied.

In the event of an adverse reaction, the dosage of esmolol may be reduced or discontinued. If a local infustion site ractions develops, and alternate infusion site should be used and caution should be taken to prevent extravasation. The use of butterfly needles should be avoided.

Abrupt cessation of esmolol in patients has not been reported to produce the withdrawal effects which may occur with abrupt withdrawal of beta blockers following chronic use in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, caution should still be used in abruptly discontinuing infusions of esmolol in CAD patients.

After achieving an adequate control of the heart rate and a stable colinical statues in patients with supraventricular tachycardia, transition to alternative antiarrhythmic agents such as propranolol, digoxin, or verapamil, may be accomplished.

A recommended guideline for such a transition is given below but the physician should carefull consider the labeling instructions for the alternative agent selected.

The dosage of esmolol should be reduced as follows:

1. Thirty minutes following the first dose of the alternative agent, reduce the infusion rate of esmolol by one-half (50%).

2. Following the second dose of the alternative agent, monitor the patient's response and if satisfactory control is maintained for the first hour, discontinue esmolol.

The use of infustions of esmolol up to 24 hours has been well documented; in addition, limited date from 24 to 48 hours (N=48) indicate that esmolol is well tolerated up to 48 hours.

INTRAOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE TACHYCARDIA AND/OR HYPERTENSION

In the operative and postoperative settings is not always advisable to slowly titrate the dose of esmolol to a therapeutic effect. Therefore, two dosing options are presented: immediate control dosing and a gradual control when the physician has time to titrate.

1. Immediate Control

For intraoperative treatment of tachycardia and/or hypertension give an 80 mg (approximately 1 mg/kg) bolus dose over 30 seconds followed by a 150 mcg/kg/min infusion, if necessary. Adjust the infusion rate as required up to 300 mcg/kg/min to maintain desired heart rate and/or blood pressure.

2. Gradual Control

For postoperative tachycardia and hypertension, the dosing schedule is the same as that used in supravetnricular tachycardia. To initiate treatment, administer a loading dosage infusion of 500 mcg/kg/min of esmolol for one minute followed by a four-minute maintenance finsution of 50 mcg/kg/min. If an adequate therapeutic effect is not observed within five minutes, repoeat the same loading dosage and follow with a maintenance infusion increased to 100 mcg/kg/min (see above SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA).

Notes:

1. Higher doses (250 to 300 mcg/kg/min) may be required for adequate control of blood pressure than those required for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, flutter and sinus tachycardia. One third of the postoperative hypertensive patients required these higher doses.

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

Directions for Use of the 10 mL Ready-to-use Vial (10 milligrams/mL)

This dosage form is prediluted to provide a ready-to-use 10 mg/mL concentration recommended for esmolol intravenous administration. It may be used to administer the appropriate esmolol loading dosage infusions by hand-held syringe while the maintenance infusion is being prepared.

The 10 mL Ready-to-use Vial contains esmolol at a concentration of 10 milligram/mL. When using a 10 milligrams/mL concentration, a loading dose of 0.5 mg/kg infused over 1 minute period of time, for a 70 kg patient is 3.5 mL.
Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium Sulfate

Dosage of magnesium sulfate must be carefully adjusted according to individual requirements and response, and administration of the drug should be discontinued as soon as the desired effect is obtained.

Both IV and IM administration are appropriate. IM administration of the undiluted 50% solution results in therapeutic plasma levels in 60 minutes, whereas IV doses will provide a therapeutic level almost immediately. The rate of IV injection should generally not exceed 150 mg/minute 1.5 mL of a 10% concentration or its equivalent), except in severe eclampsia with seizures (see below). Continuous maternal administration of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy beyone 5 to 7 days can cause fetal abnormalities.

Solutions for IV infusion must be diluted to a concentration of 20% or less prior to administration. The diluents commonly used are 5% Dextrose Injection, USP and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Deep IM injection of the undiluted (50%) solution is appropriate for adults, but the solution should be diluted to a 20% or less concentration prior to such injection in children.

In Magnesium Deficiency

In the treatment of mild magnesium deficiency, the usual adult dose is 1 g, equivalent to 8.12 mEq of magnesium (2 mL of the 50% solution) injected IM every six hours for four doses (equivalent to a total of 32.5 mEq of magnesium per 24 hours). For sever hypomagnesemia, as much as 250 mg (approximately 2 mEq) per kg of body weight (0.5 mL of the 50% solution) may be given IM within a period of four hours if necessary. Alternatively, 5 g (approximately 40 mEq) can be added to one liter of 5% Dextros Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP for slow IV infusion over a three-hour period. In the treatment of dificiency states, caution must be observed to prevent exceeding the renal excretory capacity.

In Hyperalimentation

In TPN, maintenence requirements for magnesium are not precisely known. The maintenance dose used in adults ranges from 8 to 24 mEq (1 to 3 g) daily; for infants, the range is 2 to 10 mEq (0.25 to 1.25 g) daily.

In Pre-eclampsia or Eclampsia

In severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, the total initial dose is 10 to 14 g of magnesium sulfate. Intravenously, a dose of 4 to 5 g in 250 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may be infused. Simultaneously, IM doses of up to 10 g (5 g or 10 mL of the undiluted 50% solution in each buttock) are given. Alternatively, the initial IV dose of 4 g may be given by diluting the 50% solution to a 10 or 20% concentration; the diluted fluid (40 mL of a 10% solution or 20 mL of a 20 % solution) may then be injected IV over a period of three to four minutes. Subsequently, 4 to 5 g (8 to 10 mL of the 50% solution) are injected IM into alternate buttocks every four hours as needed, depending on the continuing presence of the patellar reflex and adequate respiratory function. Alternatively, after the initial IV dose, some clinicians administer1 to 2 g/hour by constant IV infusion. Therapy should continue until paroxysms cease. A serum magnesium level of 6 mg/100 mL is considered optimal for control of seizures. A total daily (24 hr) dose of 30 to 40 g should not be exceeded. In the presence of severe renal insufficiency, the maximum dosage of magnesium sulfate is 20 grams/48 hours and frequent serum magnesium concentrations must be obtained. Continuous use of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy beyond 5 to 7 days can cause fetal abnormalities.

Other uses

In counteracting the muscle-stimulating effects of barium poisoning, the usual dose of magnesium sulfate is 1 to 2 g given IV.

For controlling seizures associated with epilepsy, glomerulonephritis or hypothyroidism, the usual adult dose is 1 g administered IM or IV.

In paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, magnesium should be used only if simpler measures have failed and there is no evidence of myocardial damage. The usual dose is 3 to 4 g (30 to 40 mL of a 10% solution) administered IV over 30 seconds with extreme caution.

Incompatibilities

Magnesium sulfate in solution may result in a precipitate formation when mixed with solutions containing:

The potential incompatibility will often be influenced by the changes in the concentration of reactants and the pH of the solutions.

It has been reported that magnesium may reduce the antibiotic activity of streptomycin, tetracycline and tobramycin when given together.

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

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, USP 4 mg/mL is for intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, intralesional and soft tissue injection.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, USP 10 mg/mL is for intravenous or intramuscular use only.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, USP can be given directly from the vial, or it can be added to sodium chloride injection or dextrose injection and administered by intravenous drip.

Solutions used for intravenous administration or further dilution of this product should be preservative-free when used in the neonate, especially the premature infant.

When it is mixed with an infusion solution, sterile precautions should be observed. Since infusion solutions generally do not contain preservatives, mixtures should be used within 24 hours.

DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT:

A. Intravenous and Intramuscular Injection:

The initial dosage of dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection varies from 0.5 to 0 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. In less severe diseases doses lower than 0.5 mg may suffice, while in severe diseases doses higher than 9 mg may be required.

The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until the patient's response is satisfactory. If a satisfactory clinical resopnse does not occur after a reasonable period of time, discontinue dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection and transfer the patient to other therapy.

After a favorable initial response, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial dosage in small amounts to the lowest dosage that maintains in adequate clinical response.

Patients should be observed closely for signs that might require dosage adjustment, including changes in clinical status resulting from remissions or exacerbations of the disease, individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of stress (e.g., surgery, infection, trauma). During stress it may be necessary to increase dosage temporarily.

If the drug is to be stopped after more than a few days of treatment, it usually should be withdrawn gradually.

When the intravenous route of administration is used, dosage usually should be the same as the oral dosage. In certain overwhelming, acute, life-threatening situations, however, administration in dosages exceeding the usual dosages may be justified and may be in multiples of the oral dosages. The slower rate of absorption by intramuscular administration should be recognized.

Shock

There is a tendency in current medical practice to use high (pharmacologic) doses of corticosteroids for the treatment of unresponsive shock. The following dosages of dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection have been suggested by various aurthors:

Administration of high dose corticosteroid therapy should be continued only until the patient's condition has stabilized and usually not longer than 48 to 72 hours.

Although adverse reactions associated with high dose, short term corticosteroid therapy are uncommon, peptic ulceration may occur.

Cerebral Edema

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection is generally administered initially in a dosage of 10 mg intravenously followed by four mg every six hours intramuscularly until the symptoms of cerebral edema subside. Response is usually noted within 12 to 24 hours and dosage may be reduced after two to four days and gradually discontinued over a period of five to seven days. For palliative management of patients with recurrent or inoperable brain tumors, maintenance therapy with two mg two or three times a day may be effective.

Acute Allergic Disorders

In acute, self-limited allergic disorders or acute exacerbations of chronic allergic disorders, the following dosage schedule combining paretneral and oral therapy is suggested.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, USP 4 mg/mL; first day, 1 or 2 mL (4 or 8 mg), intramuscularly.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate tablets, 0.75 mg; second and third days, 4 ablets in two divided doses each day; fourth day, 2 tablets in two divided doses; fifth and sixth days, 1 tablet each day; seventh day, no treatment; eighth day, follow-up visit.

This schedule is designed to ensure adequate therapy during acute episodes, while minimizing the risk of overdosage in chronic cases.

B. Intra-Articular, Intralesional and Soft Tissue Injection:

Intra-articular, intralesional and soft tissue injections are generally employed when affected joints or aresas are limited to one for two sites. Dosage and frequency of injection varies depending on the condition and the site of injection. The usual dose is from 0.2 to 6 mg. The frequency usually ranges from once every three to five days to once every two to three weeks. Frequent intra-articular injection may result in damage to joint tissues.

Some of the usual single doses are:

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

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, USP is particularly recommended for use in conjunction with one of the less soluble, longer-acting steroids for intra-articulare and soft tissue injection.
Dobutamine

Dobutamine

Note- Do not add dobutamine injection to 5% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection or to any other strongly alkaline solution. Because of potential physical incompatibilities, it is recommended that dobutamine hydrochloride not be mixed with other drugs in the same solution. Dobutamine hydrochloride should not be used in conjunction with other agents or diluents containing both sodium bisulfite and ethanol.

Preparation and Stability- At the time of administration, dobutamine injection must be further diluted in an IV container: Dilute 20 mL of dobutamine in at least 50 mL of diluent and dilute 40 mL of dobutamine in at least 100 mL of diluent. Use one of the following intravenous solutions as a diluent: Dextrose Injection 5%, Dextrose 5% and Sodium Chloride 0.45% Injection, Dextrose 5% and Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection, Dextrose Injection 10%, Isolyte® M with 5% Dextrose Injection, Lactated Ringer's Injection, 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringer's Injection, Normosol®-M in D5-W, 20% Osmitrol® in Water for Injection, Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9%, or Sodium Lactate Injection. Intravenous solutions should be used within 24 hours.

Recommended Dosage- The rate of infustion needed to increase cardiac output usually ranged from 2.5 to 15 mcg/kg/min (see table). On rare occasions, infusion rates up to 40 mcg/kg/min have been required to obtain the desired effect.

The rate of administration and the duration oof therapy should be adjusted according to the patient's response as determined by heart rate, presence of ectopic activity, blood pressure, urine flow, and, whenever possible, measurement of central venous or pulmonary wedge pressure and cardiac output.

Concentrations of up to 5,000 mcg/mL have been administered to humans (250 mg/50 mL). The final volume administered should be determined by the fluid requirements of the patient.

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

Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate

Chloramphenicol, like other potent drugs, should be prescribed at recommended doses known to have therapeutic activity. Administration of 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses will produce blood levels of the magnitude to which the majority of susceptible microorganisms will respond.

As soon as feasible an oral dosage form of another appropriate antibiotic should be substituted for intravenous chloramphenicol sodium succinate.

The following method of administration is recommended:Intravenously as a 10% (100 mg/mL) solution to be injected over at least a one-minute interval. This is prepared by the addition of 10 mL of an aqueous diluent such as water for injection or 5% dextrose injection.

Adults Adults should receive 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses at 6-hour intervals. In exceptional cases patients with infections due to moderately resistant organisms may require increased dosage up to 100 mg/kg/day to achieve blood levels inhibiting the pathogen, but these high doses should be decreased as soon as possible. Adults with impairment of hepatic or renal function or both may have reduced ability to metabolize and excrete the drug. In instances of impaired metabolic processes, dosages should be adjusted accordingly. (See discussion under Newborn Infants.) Precise control of concentration of the drug in the blood should be carefully followed in patients with impaired metabolic processes by the available microtechniques (information available on request).Children Dosage of 50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses at 6-hour intervals yields blood levels in the range effective against most susceptible organisms. Severe infections (eg, bacteremia or meningitis), especially when adequate cerebrospinal fluid concentrations are desired, may require dosage up to 100 mg/kg/day; however, it is recommended that dosage be reduced to 50 mg/kg/day as soon as possible. Children with impaired liver or kidney function may retain excessive amounts of the drug.Newborn Infants (See section titled “Gray Syndrome” under ADVERSE REACTIONS.)A total of 25 mg/kg/day in 4 equal doses at 6-hour intervals usually produces and maintains concentrations in blood and tissues adequate to control most infections for which the drug is indicated. Increased dosage in these individuals, demanded by severe infections, should be given only to maintain the blood concentration within a therapeutically effective range. After the first two weeks of life, full-term neonates ordinarily may receive up to a total of 50 mg/kg/day equally divided into 4 doses at 6-hour intervals. These dosage recommendations are extremely important because blood concentration in all premature and full-term neonates under two weeks of age differs from that of other infants neonates. This difference is due to variations in the maturity of the metabolic functions of the liver and the kidneys. When these functions are immature (or seriously impaired in adults), high concentrations of the drug are found which tend to increase with succeeding doses.Infants and Children with Immature Metabolic Processes In young infants and other pediatric patients in whom immature metabolic functions are suspected, a dose of 25 mg/kg/day will usually produce therapeutic concentrations of the drug in the blood. In this group particularly, the concentration of the drug in the blood should be carefully followed by microtechniques. (Information available on request.)
Diazepam

Diazepam

Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect. The usual recommended dose in older children and adults ranges from 2 mg to 20 mg IM or IV, depending on the indication and its severity. In some conditions, e.g., tetanus, larger doses may be required. (See dosage for specific indications.) In acute conditions the injection may be repeated within one hour although an interval of 3 to 4 hours is usually satisfactory. Lower doses (usually 2 mg to 5 mg) and slow increase in dosage should be used for elderly or debilitated patients and when other sedative drugs are administered. (See WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS.)

For dosage in infants above the age of 30 days and children, see the specific indications below. When intravenous use is indicated, facilities for respiratory assistance should be readily available.

Intramuscular: Diazepam injection should be injected deeply into the muscle.

Intravenous Use: (See WARNINGS, particularly for use in children.) The solution should be injected slowly, taking at least one minute for each 5 mg (1 mL) given. Do not use small veins, such as those on the dorsum of the hand or wrist. Extreme care should be taken to avoid intra-arterial administration or extravasation.

Do not mix or dilute diazepam with other solutions or drugs in syringe or infusion flask. If it is not feasible to administer diazepam directly IV, it may be injected slowly through the infusion tubing as close as possible to the vein insertion.

Once the acute symptomatology has been properly controlled with diazepam injection, the patient may be placed on oral therapy with diazepam if further treatment is required.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE FOR INJECTABLE DIAZEPAM (IV administration should be made slowly) USUAL ADULT DOSAGE DOSAGE RANGE IN CHILDREN Moderate Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms of Anxiety 2mg to 5mg, IM or IV. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. Severe Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms of Anxiety 5mg to 10mg, IM or IV. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: As an aid in symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor, impending or acute delirium tremens, and hallucinosis. 10mg, Im or IV initially, then 5mg to 10mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. Endoscopic Procedures:Adjunctively, if apprehension, anxiety or acute stress reaction are present prior ot endoscopic procedures. Dosage of narcotics should be reduced by at least a third and in some cases may be omitted. See PRECAUTIONS for peroral procedures. Titrate IV dosage to desired sedative response, such as slurring of speech, with slow administration immediately prior to the procedure. Generally 10mg or less is adequate, but up to 20mg IV may be given, particularly when concomitant narcotics are omitted. If IV cannot be used, 5mg to 10mg IM approximately 30 minutes prior to the procedure. Muscle Spasm:Associated with local pathology, cerebral palsy, athetosis, stiff-man syndrome, or tetanus. 5mg to 10mg, IM or IV initially, then 5mg to 10mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. For tetanus, larger doses may be required. For tetanus in infants over 30 days of age, 1mg to 2mg IM or IV, slowly, repeated every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. In children 5 years or older, 5mg to 10mg repeated every 3 to 4 hours may be required to control tetanus spasms. Respiratory assistance should be available. Status Epilepticus and Severe Recurrent Convulsive Seizures: In the convulsing patient, the IV route is by far preferred. This injection should be administered slowly. However, if IV administration is impossible, the IM route may be used. 5mg to 10mg initially (IV preferred). This injection may be repeated if necessary at 10 to 15 minute intervals up to a maximum dose of 30mg. If necessary, therapy with diazepam may be repeated in 2 to 4 hours; however, residual active metabolites may persist, and readministration should be made with this consideration. Ext4reme caution must be exercised with individuals with chronic lung disease or unstable cardiovascular status. Infants over 30 days of age and children under 5 years, 0.2mg to 0.5mg slowly every 2 to 5 minutes up to a maximum of 5mg (IV preferred). Children 5 years or older, 1mg every 2 to 5 minutes up to a maximum of 10mg (slow IV administration preferred). Repeat in 2 to 4 hours if necessary. EEG monitoring of the seizure may be helpful. Preoperative Medication:To relieve anxiety and tension. (If atropine, scopolamine or other premedications are desired, they must be administered in separate syringes.) 20mg, IM (preferred route), before surgery. Cardioversion:To relieve anxiety and tension and to reduce recall of procedure. 5mg to 15mg, IV, within 5 to 10 minutes prior to the procedure.
Diazepam

Diazepam

Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect. The usual recommended dose in older children and adults ranges from 2 mg to 20 mg I.M. or I.V., depending on the indication and its severity. In some conditions, e.g., tetanus, larger doses may be required. (See dosage for specific indications.) In acute conditions the injection may be repeated within one hour although an interval of 3 to 4 hours is usually satisfactory. Lower doses (usually 2 mg to 5 mg) and slow increase in dosage should be used for elderly or debilitated patients and when other sedative drugs are administered. (See WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS.)

For dosage in infants above the age of 30 days and children, see the specific indications below. When intravenous use is indicated, facilities for respiratory assistance should be readily available.

Intramuscular: Diazepam Injection, USP should be injected deeply into the muscle.

Intravenous use: (See WARNINGS, particularly for use in children.) The solution should be injected slowly, taking at least one minute for each 5 mg (1 mL) given. Do not use small veins, such as those on the dorsum of the hand or wrist. Extreme care should be taken to avoid intra-arterial administration or extravasation.

Do not mix or dilute diazepam with other solutions or drugs in syringe or infusion flask. If it is not feasible to administer diazepam directly I.V., it may be injected slowly through the infusion tubing as close as possible to the vein insertion.

Once the acute symptomatology has been properly controlled with diazepam injection, the patient may be placed on oral therapy with diazepam if further treatment is required.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit (see PRECAUTIONS). NOTE: Solution may appear colorless to light yellow.
(I.V. administration should be made slowly. USUAL ADULT DOSAGE DOSAGE RANGE IN CHILDREN Moderate Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms of Anxiety 2mg to 5mg, I.M. or I.V. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary Severe Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms of Anxiety 5mg to 10mg, I.M. or I.V. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: As an aid in symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor, impending or acute delirium tremens and hallucinosis. 10mg, I.M. or I.V. initially, then 5mg to 10mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary Endoscopic Procedures: Adjunctively, if apprehension, anxiety or acute stress reactions are present prior to endoscopic procedures. Dosage of narcotics should be reduced by at least a third and in some cases may be omitted. See Precautions for peroral procedures. Titrate I.V. dosage to desired sedative response, such as slurring of speech, with slow administration immediately prior to the procedure. Generally 10mg or less is adequate, but up to 20mg I.V. may be given, particularly when concomitant narcotics are omitted. If. I.V. cannot be used 5mg to 10mg I.M. approximately 30 minutes prior to the procedure. Muscle Spasm: Associated with local pathology, cerebral palsy, athetosis, stiff-man syndrome or tetanus. 5mg to 10mg, I.M. or I.V. initially, then 5mg to 10mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. For tetanus, larger doses may be required. For tetanus in infants over 30 days of age, 1mg to 2mg I.M. or I.V., slowly, repeated every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. In children 5 years or older, 5mg to 10mg repeated every 3 to 4 hours may be required to control tetanus spasms. Respiratory assistance should be available. Status Epilepticus and Severe Recurrent convulsive Seizures: In the convulsing patient, the I.V. route is by far preferred. This injection should be administered slowly. However, if I.V. administration is impossible, the I.M. route may be used. 5mg to 10mg initially (I.V. preferred. This injection may be repeated if necessary at 10 to 15 minute intervals up to a maximum dose of 30 mg. If necessary, therapy with diazepam may be repeated in 2 to 4 hours; however, residual active metabolites may persist, and readministration should be made with this consideration. Extreme cautions must be exercised with individuals with chronic lung disease or unstable cardiovascular status. Infants over 30 days of age and children under 5 years, 0.2mg to 0.5mg slowly every 2 to 5 minutes up to a maximum of 5mg (I.V. preferred). Children 5 years or older, 1 mg every 2 to 5 minutes up to a maximum of 20mg (slow I.V. administration preferred). Repeat in 2 to 4 hours if necessary. EEG monitoring of the seizure may be helpful. Preoperative Medication: To relieve anxiety and tension. (If atropine, scopolamine or other premedications are desired, they must be administered in separate syringes.) 10mg, I.M. (preferred route), before surgery Cardioversion: To relieve anxiety and tension and to reduce recall of procedure 5mg to 15mg, I.V., within 5 to 10 minutes prior to the procedure.
Torsemide

Torsemide

General: Special dosage adjustment in the elderly is not necessary.Because of the high bioavailability of torsemide, oral and intravenous doses are therapeuticallyequivalent, so patients may be switched to and from the intravenous form with no change in dose.Torsemide injection should be administered either slowly as a bolus over a period of 2 minutes oradministered as a continuous infusion.If torsemide is administered through an IV line, it is recommended that, as with other IV injections,the IV line be flushed with Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride Injection) before and after administration.Torsemide injection is formulated above pH 8.3. Flushing the line is recommended to avoid the potentialfor incompatibilities caused by differences in pH which could be indicated by color change, haziness orthe formation of a precipitate in the solution.If torsemide injection is administered as a continuous infusion, stability has been demonstrated through24 hours at room temperature in plastic containers for the following fluids and concentrations:200 mg torsemide (10 mg/mL) added to:250 mL Dextrose 5% in water250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride500 mL 0.45% Sodium Chloride50 mg torsemide (10 mg/mL) added to:500 mL Dextrose 5% in water500 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride500 mL 0.45% Sodium ChlorideBefore administration, the solution of torsemide injection should be visually inspected for discolorationand particulate matter. If either is found, the vial should not be used.Congestive Heart FailureThe usual initial dose is 10 mg or 20 mg of intravenous torsemide. II the diuretic response is inadequate,the dose should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic response isobtained. Single doses higher than 200 mg have not been adequately studied.Chronic Renal FailureThe usual initial dose of torsemide is 20 mg of intravenous torsemide. If the diuretic response isinadequate, the dose should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diureticresponse is obtained. Single doses higher than 200 mg have not been adequately studied.Hepatic CirrhosisThe usual initial dose is 5 mg or 10 mg of intravenous torsemide, administered together with analdosterone antagonist or a potassium·sparing diuretic. If the diuretic response is inadequate, the doseshould be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic response is obtained.Single doses higher than 40 mg have not been adequately studied.Chronic use of any diuretic in hepatic disease has not been studied in adequate and well-controlledtrials.HypertenSionThe usual initial dose is 5 mg daily. If the 5 mg dose does not provide adequate reduction in bloodpressure within 4 to 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to 10 mg daily. If the response to 10 mg isinsufficient, an additional anti-hypertensive agent should be added to the treatment regimen.
Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin

NOT FOR DIRECT INTRAVENOUS INJECTIONNITROGLYCERIN INJECTION IS A CONCENTRATED, POTENT DRUG WHICH MUST BE DILUTED IN DEXTROSE (5%) INJECTION OR SODIUM CHLORIDE (0.9%) INJECTION PRIOR TO ITS INFUSION. NITROGLYCERIN INJECTION SHOULD NOT BE MIXED WITH OTHER DRUGS.

1. Initial Dilution:Aseptically transfer the contents of one nitroglycerin vial (containing 25 mg or 50 mg of nitroglycerin) into a 500 mL glass bottle of either Dextrose (5%) Injection or Sodium Chloride Injection (0.9%). This yields a final concentration of 50 mcg/mL or 100 mcg/mL. Diluting 5 mg nitroglycerin into 100 mL will also yield a final concentration of 50 mcg/mL.

2. Maintenance Dilution: It is important to consider the fluid requirements of the patient as well as the expected duration of infusion in selecting the appropriate dilution of Nitroglycerin Injection.After the initial dosage titration, the concentration of the solution may be increased, if necessary, to limit fluids given to the patient. The nitroglycerin concentration should not exceed 400 mcg/mL. See chart.

Note: If the concentration is adjusted, it is imperative to flush or replace the infusion set before a new concentration is utilized. If the set were not flushed or replaced, it could take minutes to hours, depending upon the flow rate and the dead space of the set, for the new concentration to reach the patient. Invert the glass parenteral bottle several times to assure uniform dilution of the nitroglycerin. Dosage is affected by the type of container and administration set used. See WARNINGS. Although the usual starting adult dose range reported in clinical studies was 25 mcg/min or more, these studies used PVC administration sets. THE USE OF NON-ABSORBING TUBING WILL RESULT IN THE NEED FOR REDUCED DOSES. If a peristaltic action infusion pump is used, an appropriate administration set should be selected with a drip chamber that delivers approximately 60 microdrops/mL. Table 1 and the Nitroglycerin Injection Dilution Table below may be used to calculate the nitroglycerin dilution and flow rate in microdrops/minute to achieve the desired Nitroglycerin Injection administration rate. If a volumetric infusion pump is used, an appropriate volumetric infusion pump connector set should be selected. Table 1 below may still be used; however, flow rate will be determined directly by the infusion pump, independent of the drop size of the appropriate set drip chambers. Thus, the reference to ``microdrops/min## is not applicable, and the corresponding flow rate in mL/hr should be used to determine pump settings. When using a non-absorbing infusion set, the initial dosage should be 5 mcg/min delivered through an infusion pump capable of exactand constant delivery of the drug. Subsequent titration must be adjusted to the clinical situation, with dose increments becoming more cautious as partial response is seen. Initial titration should be in 5 mcg/min increments, with increases every 3-5 minutes until some response is noted. If no response is seen at 20 mcg/min, increments of 10 and later 20 mcg/min can be used. Once a partial blood pressure response is observed, the dose increase should be reduced and the interval between increases should be lengthened. Some patients with normal or low left ventricular filling pressures or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (e.g., angina patients without other complications) may be hypersensitive to the effects of nitroglycerin and may respond fully to doses as small as 5 mcg/ min. These patients require especially careful titration and monitoring. There is no fixed optimum dose of nitroglycerin. Due to variations in the responsiveness of individual patients to the drug, each patient must be titrated to the desired level of hemodynamic function. Therefore, continuous monitoring of physiologic parameters (i.e., blood pressure and heart rate in all patients, other measurements such as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, as appropriate) MUST be performed to achieve the correct dose. Adequate systemic blood pressure and coronary perfusion pressure must be maintained.

Dilution: Nitroglycerin Injection is supplied in 5 mg/mL solution. A dilution and administration scheme for Nitroglycerin Injection is shown in Table 1 below.
60 MICRODROPS=1mL SolutionConcentration (mcg/mL) 100 200 400 Dose (mcg/min) FLOW RATE (microdrops/min=mL/hr 5 3 - - 10 6 3 - 15 9 - - 20 12 6 3 30 18 9 - 40 24 12 6 60 36 18 9 80 48 24 12 120 72 36 18 160 96 48 24 240 - 72 36 320 - 96 48 480 - - 72 640 - - 96
60MICRODROPS=1 mL

NITROGLYCERIN INJECTION DILUTION TABLE

Each mL of Nitroglycerin Injection contains 5 mg of nitroglycerin.

Total Contents: Each 10 mL vial contains 50 mg of nitroglycerin.

FINAL CONCENTRATION
mL of NitroglycerinInjectionVolume mg 100 mcg/mLq.s. to 200 mcg/mLq.s. to 400 mcg/mLq.s. to 5 mL 25 mg 250 mL 125 mL --- 10 mL 50 mg 500 mL 250 mL 125 mL 20 mL 100 mg 1000 mL 500 mL 250 mL 40 mL 200 mg --- 1000 mL 500 mL
(Diluent: Dectrose 5% Injection of Sodium Chloride Injection (0.9%)

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

Torsemide

General: Special dosage adjustment in the elderly is not necessary.Because of the high bioavailability of torsemide, oral and intravenous doses are therapeuticallyequivalent, so patients may be switched to and from the intravenous form with no change in dose.Torsemide injection should be administered either slowly as a bolus over a period of 2 minutes oradministered as a continuous infusion.If torsemide is administered through an IV line, it is recommended that, as with other IV injections,the IV line be flushed with Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride Injection) before and after administration.Torsemide injection is formulated above pH 8.3. Flushing the line is recommended to avoid the potentialfor incompatibilities caused by differences in pH which could be indicated by color change, haziness orthe formation of a precipitate in the solution.If torsemide injection is administered as a continuous infusion, stability has been demonstrated through24 hours at room temperature in plastic containers for the following fluids and concentrations:200 mg torsemide (10 mg/mL) added to:250 mL Dextrose 5% in water250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride500 mL 0.45% Sodium Chloride50 mg torsemide (10 mg/mL) added to:500 mL Dextrose 5% in water500 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride500 mL 0.45% Sodium ChlorideBefore administration, the solution of torsemide injection should be visually inspected for discolorationand particulate matter. If either is found, the vial should not be used.Congestive Heart FailureThe usual initial dose is 10 mg or 20 mg of intravenous torsemide. II the diuretic response is inadequate,the dose should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic response isobtained. Single doses higher than 200 mg have not been adequately studied.Chronic Renal FailureThe usual initial dose of torsemide is 20 mg of intravenous torsemide. If the diuretic response isinadequate, the dose should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diureticresponse is obtained. Single doses higher than 200 mg have not been adequately studied.Hepatic CirrhosisThe usual initial dose is 5 mg or 10 mg of intravenous torsemide, administered together with analdosterone antagonist or a potassium·sparing diuretic. If the diuretic response is inadequate, the doseshould be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic response is obtained.Single doses higher than 40 mg have not been adequately studied.Chronic use of any diuretic in hepatic disease has not been studied in adequate and well-controlledtrials.HypertenSionThe usual initial dose is 5 mg daily. If the 5 mg dose does not provide adequate reduction in bloodpressure within 4 to 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to 10 mg daily. If the response to 10 mg isinsufficient, an additional anti-hypertensive agent should be added to the treatment regimen.
Epinephrine

Epinephrine

Subcutaneously or intramuscularly — 0.2 to 1 mL. Start with a small dose and increase if required.Note: The subcutaneous is the preferred route of administration. If given intramuscularly,injection into the buttocks should be avoided.For bronchial asthma and certain allergic manifestations, e.g., angioedema, urticaria, serum sickness, anaphylactic shock, use epinephrine subcutaneously. For bronchial asthma in pediatric patients, administer 0.01 mg/kg or 0.3 mg/m2 to a maximum of 0.5 mg subcutaneously, repeatedevery four hours if required.For cardiac resuscitation — A dose of 0.5 mL (0.5 mg) diluted to 10 mL with sodium chloride injection can be administered intravenously or intracardially to restore myocardial contractility. External cardiac massage should follow intracardial administration to permit the drug to enter coronary circulation. The drug should be used secondarily to unsuccessful attempts with physical or electromechanical methods.Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59° - 86°F) (See USP Controlled Room Temperature).Protect from lightParenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration,whenever solution and container permit.
Amidate

Amidate

Etomidate Injection, USP is intended for administration only by the intravenous route (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). The dose for induction of anesthesia in adult patients and in pediatric patients above the age of ten (10) years will vary between 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg of body weight, and it must be individualized in each case. The usual dose for induction in these patients is 0.3 mg/kg, injected over a period of 30 to 60 seconds. There are inadequate data to make dosage recommendations for induction of anesthesia in patients below the age of ten (10) years; therefore, such use is not recommended. Geriatric patients may require reduced doses of etomidate.

Smaller increments of intravenous etomidate may be administered to adult patients during short operative procedures to supplement subpotent anesthetic agents, such as nitrous oxide. The dosage employed under these circumstances, although usually smaller than the original induction dose, must be individualized. There are insufficient data to support this use of etomidate for longer adult procedures or for any procedures in pediatric patients; therefore, such use is not recommended. The use of intravenous fentanyl and other neuroactive drugs employed during the conduct of anesthesia may alter the etomidate dosage requirements. Consult the prescribing information for all other such drugs before using.

Premedication: Etomidate Injection, USP is compatible with commonly administered pre-anesthetic medications, which may be employed as indicated. See also CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and dosage recommendations for maintenance of anesthesia.

Etomidate hypnosis does not significantly alter the usual dosage requirements of neuromuscular blocking agents employed for endotracheal intubation or other purposes shortly after induction of anesthesia.

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

To prevent needle-stick injuries, needles should not be recapped, purposely bent, or broken by hand.
Flumazenil

Flumazenil

Flumazenil injection is recommended for intravenous use only. It is compatible with 5% dextrose in water, lactated Ringer's and normal saline solutions. If flumazenil injection is drawn into a syringe or mixed with any of these solutions, it should be discarded after 24 hours. For optimum sterility, flumazenil injection should remain in the vial until just before use. As with all parenteral drug products, flumazenil injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

To minimize the likelihood of pain at the injection site, flumazenil injection should be administered through a freely running intravenous infusion into a large vein.

Reversal of Conscious Sedation

Adult Patients

For the reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines administered for conscious sedation, the recommended initial dose of flumazenil injection is 0.2 mg (2 mL) administered intravenously over 15 seconds. If the desired level of consciousness is not obtained after waiting an additional 45 seconds, a second dose of 0.2 mg (2 mL) can be injected and repeated at 60-second intervals where necessary (up to a maximum of 4 additional times) to a maximum total dose of 1 mg (10 mL). The dosage should be individualized based on the patient's response, with most patients responding to doses 0.6 mg to 1 mg (see INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE).

In the event of resedation, repeated doses may be administered at 20-minute intervals as needed. For repeat treatment, no more than 1 mg (given as 0.2 mg/min) should be administered at any one time, and no more than 3 mg should be given in any one hour.

It is recommended that flumazenil injection be administered as the series of small injections described (not as a single bolus injection) to allow the practitioner to control the reversal of sedation to the approximate endpoint desired and to minimize the possibility of adverse effects (see INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE).

Pediatric Patients

For the reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines administered for conscious sedation in pediatric patients greater than 1 year of age, the recommended initial dose is 0.01 mg/kg (up to 0.2 mg) administered intravenously over 15 seconds. If the desired levelof consciousness is not obtained after waiting an additional 45 seconds, further injections of 0.01 mg/kg (up to 0.2 mg) can be administered and repeated at 60-second intervals where necessary (up to a maximum of 4 additional times) to a maximum total dose of 0.05 mg/kg or 1 mg, whichever is lower. The dose should be individualized based on the patient's response. The mean total dose administered in the pediatric clinical trial of flumazenil was 0.65 mg (range: 0.08 mg to 1.00 mg). Approximately one-half of patients required the maximum of five injections.

Resedation occurred in 7 of 60 patients who were fully alert 10 minutes after the start of flumazenil injection administration (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use). The safety and efficacy of repeated flumazenil administration in pediatric patients experiencing resedation have not been established.

It is recommended that flumazenil injection be administered as the series of small injections described (not as a single bolus injection) to allow the practitioner to control the reversal of sedation to the approximate endpoint desired and to minimize the possibility of adverse effects (see INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE).

The safety and efficacy of flumazenil injection in the reversal of conscious sedation in pediatric patients below the age of 1 year have not been established.

Reversal of General Anesthesia in Adult Patients

For the reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines administered for general anesthesia, the recommended initial dose of flumazenil injection is 0.2 mg (2 mL) administered intravenously over 15 seconds. If the desired level of consciousness is not obtained after waiting an additional 45 seconds, a further dose of 0.2 mg (2 mL) can be injected and repeated at 60-second intervals where neccessary (up to a maximum of 4 additional times) to a maximumtotal dose of 1 mg (10 mL). The dosage should be individualized based on the patient's response, with most patients responding to doses of 0.6 mg to 1 mg (see INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE).

In the event of resedation, repeated doses may be administered at 20-minute intervals as needed. For repeate treatment, no more than 1 mg (given as 0.2 mg/min) should be administered at any one time, and no more than 3 mg should be given in any one hour.

It is recommended that flumazenil injection be administered as the series of small injections described (not as a single bolus injection) to allow the practitioner to control the reversal of sedation to the approximate endpoint desired and to minimize the possibility of adverse effects (see INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE).

Management of Suspected Benzodiazepine Overdose in Adult Patients

For initial management of a known or suspected benzodiazepine overdose, the recommended initial dose of flumazenil injection is 0.2 mg (2 mL) administered intravenously over 30 seconds, a further dose of 0.3 mg (3 mL) can be administered over another 30 seconds. Further doses of 0.5 mg (5 mL) can be administered over 30 seconds at 1-minute intervals up to a cumulative dose of 3 mg.

Do not rush the administration of flumazenil injection. Patients should have a secure airway and intravenous access before administration of the drug and be awakened graduallu (see PRECAUTIONS).

Most patients with a benzodiazepine overdose will respond to a cumulative dose of 1 mg to 3 mg of flumazenil injection, and doses beyond 3 mg do not reliably produce additional effects. On rare occasions, patients with a partial response at 3 mg may require additional titration up to a total dose of 5 mg (administered slowly in the same manner).

If a patienthas not responded 5 minutes after receiving a cumulative dose of 5 mg of flumazenil injection, the major cause of sedation is likely not to be due to benzodiazepines, and additional flumazenil injection is likely to have no effect.

In the event of resedation, repeated doses may be given at 20-minute intervals if needed. For repeat treatment, no more than 1 mg (given as 0.5 mg/min) should be given at any one time and no more than 3 mg should be given in any one hour.

Safety and Handling

Flumazenil injection is supplied in sealed dosage forms and poses no known risk to the healthcare provided. Routine care should be taken to avoid aerosol generation when preparing syringes for injection, and spilled medication should be rinced from the skin with cool water.
Neut

Neut

One vial (5 mL) of Neut added to a liter (1000 mL) of any of the following Hospira parenteral solutions will increase the pH to a more physiologic range. Specific pH may vary slightly from lot to lot.

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

Addition of one vial of Neut to one-half liter (500 mL) is recommended to achieve a more physiologic pH of the following Hospira parenteral solutions:

Note: Some products, e.g., Amniosyn® solutions and those lonosol® and Normosol® formulas containing dextrose will NOT be brought to near physiologic pH by the addition of Neut. This is due to the relatively high buffer capacity of these fluids.

COMPATIBILITY & EFFECTIVNESS FO NEUT WITH ADDITIVES TO 5% DEXTROSE INJECTION (D5-W)

When medications are added to intravenous solutions, the resultant admixtures may or may not be compatible in solutions containing Neut (4% sodium bicarbonate additive solution).

Following is a list of medications each added to one liter of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (D5-W) classified according to their effect with Neut (4% sodium bicarbonate additive solution).

It should be noted that the admixtures were evaluated for physical compatibility, not for pharmacological compatibility. It, therefore, would be erroneous to circumvent medical judgment which must be involved in administering any solution that appears to be compatible on the basis of having no visible haze or precipitate. The inclusion of drugsin this study of their compatibility in solution does not imply their therapeutic usefulness or safety. This matter remains the judgment of the prescribing physician.

NOTE: The compatibility information contained herein in based on the studies involving Hospira dextrose only. Variationsin compativility could occur due to lot-to-lot variations or formula changes in the additivies or dextrose solutions of other manufacturers.
Propofol

Propofol

NOTE: CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL. (See PRECAUTIONSsection.)

Propofol blood concentrations at steady state are generally proportional to infusion rates, especially in individual patients. Undesirable effects such as cardiorespiratory depression are likely to occur at higher blood concentrations which result from bolus dosing or rapid increases in the infusion rate. An adequate interval (3 to 5 minutes) must be allowed between dose adjustments to allow for and assess the clinical effects.

When administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion, syringe or volumetric pumps are recommended to provide controlled infusion rates. When infusing propofol injectable emulsion to patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging, metered control devices may be utilized if mechanical pumps are impractical.

Changes in vital signs indicating a stress response to surgical stimulation or the emergence from anesthesia may be controlled by the administration of 25 mg (2.5 mL) to 50 mg (5 mL) incremental boluses and/or by increasing the infusion rate of propofol injectable emulsion.

For minor surgical procedures (e.g., body surface) nitrous oxide (60% to 70%) can be combined with a variable rate propofol injectable emulsion infusion to provide satisfactory anesthesia. With more stimulating surgical proce4dures (e.g., intra-abdominal), or if supplementation with nitrous oxide is not provided, administration rate(s) of propofol injectable emulsion and/or opioids should be increased in order to provide adequate anesthesia.

Infusion rates should always be titrated downward in the absence of clinical signs of light anesthesia until a mild response to surgical stimulation is obtained in order to avoid administration of profofol injection emulsion at rates higher than are clinically necessary. Generally, rates of 50 to 100 mcg/kg/min in adults should be achieved during maintenance in order to optimize recovery time.

Other drugs that cause CNS depression (hypnotics/sedatives, inhalational anesthetics, and opioids) can increase CNS depression induced by propofol. Morphine premedication (0.15 mg/kg) with nitrous oxide 67% in oxygen has been shown to decrease the necessary propofol injection maintenance infusion rate and therapeutic blood concentrations when compared to non-narcotic (lorazepam) premedication.

Induction of General Anesthesia

Adult Patients: Most adult patients under 55 years of age and classified as ASA-PS I or II require 2 to 2.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion for induction when unpremedicated or when premedicated with oral benzodiazepines or intramuscular opioids. For induction, propofol injectable emulsion should be titrated (approximately 40 mg every 10 seconds) against the response of the patient until the clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia. As with other sedative-hypnotic agents, the amount of intravenous opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication will influence the response of the patient to an induction dose of propofol injectable emulsion.

Elderly, Debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: It is important to be familiar and experienced with the intravenous use of propofol injectable emulsion before treating elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients. Due to the reduced clearance and higher blood concentrations, most of these patients require approximately 1 to 1.5 mg/kg (approximately 20 mg every 10 seconds) of propofol injectable emulsion for induction of anesthesia according to their condition and responses. A rapid bolus should not be used, as this will increase the likelihood of undesirable cardiorespiratory depression including hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction, and/or oxygen desaturation. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Pediatric Patients: Most patients aged 3 years through 16 are classified ASA-PS I or II require 2.5 to 3.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion for induction when unpremedicated or when lightly premedicated with oral benzodiazepines or intramuscular opioids. Within this dosage range, younger pediatric patients may require higher induction doses than older pediatric patients. As with other sedative-hypnotic agents, the amount of intravenous opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication will influence the response of the patient to an induction dose of propofol injectable emulsion. A lower dosage is recommended for pediatric patients classified as ASA-PS III or IV. Attention should be paid to minimize pain on injection when administering propofol injectable emulsion to pediatric patients. Boluses of propofol injectable emulsion may be administered via small veins if pretreated with lidocaine or via antecubital or larger veins. (See PRECAUTIONS - General.)

Neurosurgical Patients: Slower induction in recommended using boluses of 20 mg every 10 seconds. Slower boluses or infusions or propofol injectable emulsion for induction of anesthesia, titrated to clinical responses, will generally result in reduced induction dosage requirements (1 to 2 mg/kg). (See PRECAUTIONSand DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Cardiac Anesthesia: Propofol injectable emulsion has been well-studied in patients with coronary artery disease, but experience in patients with hemodynamically significant valvular or congenital heart disease is limited. As with other anesthetic and sedative-hypnotic agents, propofol injectable emulsion in healthy patients causes a decrease in blood pressure that is secondary to decreases in preload (ventricular filling volume at the end of the diastole) and afterload (arterial resistance at the beginning of the systole). The magnitude of these changes is proportional to the blood and effect site concentrations achieved. These concentrations depend upon the dose and speed of the induction and maintenance infusion rates.

In addition, lower heart rates are observed during maintenance with propofol injectable emulsion, possibly due to reduction of the sympathetic activity and/or resetting of the baroreceptor reflexes. Therefore, anticholinergic agents should be administered when increases in vagal tone are anticipated.

As with other anesthetic agents, propofol injectable emulsion reduces myocardial oxygen consumption. Further studies are needed to confirm and delineate the extent of these effects on the myocardium and the coronary vascular system.

Morphine premedication (0.15 mg/kg) with nitrous oxide 67% in oxygen has been shown to decrease the necessary propofol injectable emulsion maintenance infusion rates and therapeutic blood concentrations when compared to non-narcotic (lorazepam) premedication. The rate of propofol injectable emulsion administration should be determined based on the patient's premedication and adjusted according to clinical responses.

A rapid bolus induction should be avoided. A slow rate of approximately 20 mg every 10 seconds until induction onset 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg) should be used. In order to assure adequate anesthesia, when propofol injectable emulsion is used as the primary agent, maintenance infusion rates should not be less than 100 mcg/kg/min and should be supplemented with analgesic levels of continuous opioid administration. When an opioid is used as the primary agent, propofol injectable emulsion maintenance rates should not be less than 50 mcg/kg/min, and care should be taken to ensure amnesia. Higher doses of propofol injectable emulsion will reduce the opioid requirements (see TABLE 4). When propofol injectable emulsion is used as the primary anesthetic, it should not be administered with the high-dose opioid technique as this may increase the likelihood of hypotension (see PRECAUTIONS- Cardiac Anesthesia).

Maintenance of General Anesthesia

Adult Patients: In adults, anesthesia can be maintained by administering propofol injectable emulsion or infusion or intermittent I.V. bolus injection. The patient's clinical response will determine the infusion rate or the amount and frequency of incremental injections.

Continuous Infusion: Propofol injectable emulsion 100 to 200 mcg/kg/min administered in a variable rate infusion with 60% to 70% nitrous oxide and oxygen provides anesthesia for patients undergoing general surgery. Maintenance by infusion of propofol injectable emulsion should immediately follow the induction dose in order to provide satisfactory or continuous anesthesia during the induction phase. During this initial period following the induction dose, higher rates of infusion are generally required (150 to 200 mcg/kg/min) for the first 10 to 15 minutes. Infusion rates should subsequently be decreased 30% to 50% during the first half-hour of maintenance. Generally, rates of 50 to 100 mcg/kg.min in adults should be achieved during maintenance in order to optimize recovery times.

Other drugs that cause CNS depression (hypnotics/sedatives, inhalational anesthetics, and opioids) can increase the CNS depression induced by propofol.

Intermittent Bolus: Increments of propofol injectable emulsion 25 mg (2.5 mL) to 50 mg (5 mL) may be administered with nitrous oxide in adult patients udergoing general surgery. The incremental boluses should be administered when changes in vital signs indicated a response to surgical stimulation or light anesthesia.

Pediatric Patients: Propofol injectable emulsion administered as a variable rate infusion supplemented with nitrous oxide 60% to 70% provides satisfactory anesthesia for most children 2 months of age or older, ASA-PS I or II, undergoing general anesthesia.

In general, for the pediatric population, maintenance by infusion of propofol injectable emulsion at a rate of 200 to 300 mcg/kg/min should immediately follow the induction dose. Following the first half-hour of maintenance, infusion rates of 125 to 150 mcg/kg/min are typically needed. Propofol injectable emulsion should be titrated to achieve the desired clinical effect. Younger pediatric patients may require higher maintenance infusion rates than older pediatric patients. (See Clinical Trials - TABLE 2.)

Propofol injectable emulsion has been used with a variety of agents commonly used in anesthesia such as atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, diazepam, depolarizing and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, and opioid analgesics, as well as with inhalational and regional anesthetic agents.

In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid bolus doses should not be used, as this will increase cardiorespiratory effects including hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction, and oxygen desaturation.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) Sedation

Adult Patients: When propofol injectable emulsion is administered for MAC sedation, rates of administration should be individualized and titrated to clinical response. In most patients, the rates of propofol injectable emulsion administration will be in the range of 25 to 75 mcg/kg/min.

During initiation of MAC sedation, slow infusion or slow injection techniques are preferable over rapid bolus administration. During maintenance of MAC sedation, a variable rate infusion is preferable over intermittent bolus dose administration. In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation. (See WARNINGS.) A rapid bolus injection can result in undesirable cardiorespiratory depression including hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction, and oxygen desaturation.

Initiation of MAC Sedation: For initiation of MAC sedation, either an infusion or a slow injection method may be utilized while closely monitoring cardiorespiratory function. With the infusion method, sedation may be initiated by infusing propofol injectable emulsion at 100 to 150 mcg/kg/min (6 to 9 mg/kg/h) for a period of 3 to 5 minutes and titrating to the desired clinical effect while closely monitoring respiratory function. With the slow injection method for initiation, patients will require approximately 0.5 mg/kg administered over 3 to 5 minutes and titrated to clinical responses. When propofol injectable emulsion is administered slowly over 3 to 5 minutes, most patients will be adequately sedated, and the peak drug effect can be achieved while minimizing undesirable cardiorespiratory effects occurring at high plasma levels.

In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation. (See WARNINGS.) The rate of administration should be over 3 to 5 minutes and the dosage of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced to approximately 80% of the usual adult dosage in these patients according to their condition, responses, and changes in vital signs. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Maintenance of MAC Sedation: For maintenance of sedation, a variable rate infusion method is preferable over an intermittent bolus dose method. With the variable rate infusion method, patients will generally require maintenance rates of 25 to 75 mcg/kg/min (1.5 to 4.5 mg/kg/h) during the first 10 to 15 minutes of sedation maintenance. Infusion rates should subsequently be decreased over time to 25 to 50 mcg/kg/min and adjusted to clinical responses. In titrating to clinical effect, allow approximately 2 minutes for onset of peak drug effect.

Infusion rates should always be titrated downward in the absence of clinical signs of light sedation until mild responses to stimulation are obtained in order to avoid sedative administration of propofol injectable emulsion at rates higher than are clinically necessary.

If the intermittent bolus dose method is used, increments of propofol injectable emulsion 10 mg (1 mL) or 20 mg (2 mL) can be administered and titrated to desired clinical effect. With the intermittent bolus method of sedation maintenance, there is increased potential for respiratory depression, transient increases in sedation depth, and prolongation of recovery.

In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation. (See WARNINGS.) The rate of administration and the dosage of propofol injection emulsion should be reduced to approximately 80% of the usual adult dosage in these patients according to their condition, responses, and changes in vital signs. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Propofol injectable emulsion can be administered as the sole agent for maintenance of MAC sedation during surgical/diagnostic procedures. When propofol injectable emulsion sedation is supplemented with opioid and/or benzodiazepine medications, these agents increase the sedative and respiratory effects of propofol injectable emulsion and may also result in a slower recovery profile. (See PRECAUTIONS -Drug Interactions.)

ICU Sedation: (See WARNINGS andDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Handling Procedures.)

Abrupt discontinuation of propofol injectable emulsion prior to weaning or for daily evaluation of sedation levels should be avoided. This may result in rapid awakening with associated anxiety, agitation, and resistance to mechanical ventilation. Infusions of propofol injectable emulsion should be adjusted to assure a minimal level of sedation is maintained throughout the weaning process and when assessing the level of sedation. (See PRECAUTIONS).

Administration with Lidocaine: If lidocaine is to be administered to minimize pain on injection of propofol, it is recommended that it be administered prior to propofol administration or that it be added to propofol immediately before administration and in quantities not exceeding 20 mg lidocaine/200 mg propofol.

Compatibility and Stability: Propofol injectable emulsion should not be mixed with other therapeutic agents prior to administration.

Dilution Prior to Administration: Propofol injectable emulsion is provided as a ready-to-use formulation. However, should dilution be necessary, it should only be diluted with 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, and it should not be diluted to a concentration less than 2 mg/mL because it is an emulsion. In diluted form it has been shown to be more stable when in contact with glass than with plastic (95% potency after 2 hours of running infusion in plastic).

Administration with Other Fluids: Compatibility of propofol injectable emulsion with the coadministration of blood/serum/plasma has not been established. (See WARNINGS.)

When administered using a y-type infusion set, propofol injectable emulsion has been shown to be compatible with the following intravenous fluids.

     - 5% Dextrose Injection, USP

     -Lactated Ringers Injection, USP

     - Lactated Ringers and 5% Dextrose Injection

     - 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

     - 5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

Handling Procedures

General

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

Clinical experience with the use of in-line filters and propofol injectable emulsion during anesthesia or ICU/MAC sedation is limited. Propofol injectable emulsion should only be administered through a filter with a pore size of 5 micron or greater unless it has been demonstrated that the filter does not restrict the flow of propofol injectable emulsion and/or cause the breakdown of the emulsion. Filters should be used with caution and where clinically appropriate. Continuous monitoring is necessary due to the potential for restricted flow and/or breakdown of the emulsion.

Rare cases of self-administration of propofol injectable emulsion, by health care professionals have been reported, including some fatalities. (See DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE.)

Strict aseptic technique must always be maintained during handling. Propofol injectable emulsion is a single-use parenteral product which contains benzyl alcohol 1.5 mg/mL and sodium benzoate 0.7 mg/mL to inhibit the rate of growth of microorganisms, up to 12 hours, in the event of accidental extrinsic contamination. However, propofol injectable emulsion can still support the growth of microorganisms as it is not an antimicrobially preserved product under USP standards. Accordingly, strict aseptic technique must still be adhered to. Do not use if contamination is suspected. Discard unused portions as directed within the required time limits (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Handling Procedures). There have been reports in whicch failure to use aseptic technique when handling propofol injectable emulsion was associated with microbial contamination of the product and with fever, infection/sepsis, other life-threatening illness, and/or death.

Propofol injectable emulsion, with benzyl alcohol, inhibits microbial growth for up to 12 hours, as demonstrated by test data for representative USP microorganisms.

Guidelines for Aseptic Technique for General Anesthesia/MAC Sedation

Propofol should be prepared for use just prior to initiation of each individual anesthetic/sedative procedure. The vial rubber stopper should be disinfected using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Propofol should be drawn into sterile syringes immediately after vials are opened. When withdrawing propofol from vials, a sterile vent spike should be used. The syringe(s) should be labeled with appropriate information including the date and time the vial was opened. Administration should commence promptly and be completed within 12 hours after the vials have been opened.

Propofol injectable emulsion should be prepared for single-patient use only. Any unused portions of propofol injectable emulsion, reservoirs, dedicated administration tubing and/or solutions containing propofol injectable emulsion must be idscarded at the end of the anesthetic procedure or at 12 hours, whichever occurs sooner. The I.V. line should be flushed every 12 hours at the end of the anesthetic procedure to remove residual propofol injectable emulsion.

Guidelines for Aseptic Technique for ICU Sedation

Propofol injectable emulsion should be prepared for single-patient use only. When propofol injectable emulsion is administered directly from the vial, strict aseptic techniques must be followed. The vial rubber stopper should be disinfected using 70% isopropyl alcohol. A sterile vent spike and sterile tubing must be used for administration of propofol injectable emulsion. As with other lipid emulsions, the number of I.V. line manipulations should be minimized. Adminstration should commence propltly and must be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been spiked. The tubing and any nused portions of propofol injectable emulsion must be discarded after 12 hours.

If propofol injectable emulsion is transferred to a syringe or other container prior to administration, the handling procedures for General Anesthesia/MAC Sedation should be followed and the product should be discarded and administration lines changed after 12 hours.
Amiodarone Hydrochlorid...

Amiodarone Hydrochloride

Amiodarone shows considerable interindividual variation in response. Although a starting dose adequate to suppress life-threatening arrhythmias is needed, close monitoring with adjustment of dose is essential. The recommended starting dose of amiodarone is about 1000 mg over the first 24 hours of therapy, delivered by the following infusion regimen:

After the first 24 hours, continue the maintenance infusion rate of 0.5 mg/min (720 mg per 24 hours) utilizing a concentration of 1 to 6 mg/mL. (Use a central venous catheter for amiodarone concentrations greater than 2 mg/mL). The rate of the maintenance infusion may be increased to achieve effective arrhythmia suppression.

In the event of breakthrough episodes of VF or hemodynamically unstable VT, use 150 mg supplemental infusions of amiodarone (mixed in 100 mL of D5W and infused over 10 minutes to minimize the potential for hypotension.

The first 24-hour dose may be individualized for each patient; however, in controlled clinical trials, mean daily doses above 2100 mg were associated with an increased risk of hypotension. Do not exceed an initial infusion rate of 30 mg/min.

Based on the experience from clinical studies of intravenouse amiodarone, a maintenance infusion of up to 0.5 mg/min can be continued for 2 to 3 weeks regardless of the patient's age, renal function, or left ventricular function. There has been limited experience in patients receiving intravenous amiodarone for longer than 3 weeks.

The surface properties of solutions containing injectable amiodarone are altered such that the drop size may be reduced. This reduction may lead to underdosage of the patient by up to 30% if drop counter infusion sets are used. Amiodarone must be delivered by a volumetric infusion pump.

Administer amiodarone, whenever possible, through a central venous catheter dedicated to that purpose. Use an in-line flter during administration.

Intravenous amiodarone loading infusions at much higher concentrations and rates of infusion much faster than recommended have resulted in hepatocellular necrosis and acute renal failure, leading to death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Intravenous amiodarone concentrations greater than 3 mg/mL in D5W have been associated with a high incidence of peripheral vein phlebitis; however, concentrations of 2.5 ml/mL or less appear to be less irritating. Therefore, for infusions longer than 1 hour, do not exceed amiodarone concentrations of 2 mg/mL, unless a central venous catheter is used [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Amiodarone infusions exceeding 2 hours must be administered in glass or polyolefin bottles containing D5W. Do not use evacuated glass containers for admixing, as incompatibility with a buffer in the container may cause precipitation.

Amiodarone adsorbs to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, but all of the clinical experience has been with PVC tubing and the concentrations and rates of infusion provided in DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION reflect dosing in these studies.

Amiodarone has been found to leach out plasticizers, including DEHP [dii-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate] from intravenous tubing (including PCV tubing). The degree of leaching increases when infusing amiodarone at higher concentrations and lower flow rates than provided in DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Polysorbate 80, a component of amiodarone injection, is also known to leach DEHP from PVC. [see Description (11)].

Amiodarone does not need to be protected from light during administration.

NOTE: Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Admixture Incompatibility

Amiodarone in D5W is incompatible with the drugs shown in Table 3.

Intravenous to Oral Transition

Patients whose arrhythmias have been suppressed by amiodarone may be switched to oral amiodarone. When changing to oral amiodarone therapy, clinical monitoring is recommended, particularly for elderly patients. See package insert for oral amiodarone.

Since grapefruit juice is known to inhibit CYP3A-mediated metabolism of oral amiodarone in the intestinal mucosa, resulting in increased plasma levels of amiodarone, do not drink grapefruit juice during treatment with oral amiodarone [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Table 4 provides suggested doses of oral amiodarone to be initiated after varying durations of amiodarone administration. These recommendations are made on the basis of a similar total body amount of amiodarone delivered by the intravenous and oral routes, based on 50% bioavailability of oral amiodarone.

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