Elliotts B

Elliotts B Solution is indicated as a diluent for the intrathecal administration of methotrexate sodium and cytarabine for the prevention or treatment of meningeal leukemia or lymphocytic lymphoma.

Elliotts B Solution is intended for intrathecal administration only. Elliotts B Solution does not contain antibacterial preservatives and introduction of contaminated solutions into the cerebrospinal fluid may have extremely serious consequences. Therefore, administration of intrathecal solutions should be accomplished as soon as possible after preparation.

A sterile filter-needle should be used to withdraw the contents of the ampule.

Intrathecal drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

Elliotts B Solution is a diluent for the cytotoxic anticancer agents, methotrexate sodium and cytarabine. Care should be exercised in the handling and preparation of infusion solutions with these products. (See product labeling for methotrexate sodium and cytarabine.)

Adverse reactions may occur with any given intrathecal injection due to the chemotherapy or the technique of intrathecal administration.  (See product labeling for methotrexate sodium and cytarabine.)

Preservative-free methotrexate sodium and cytarabine should be used to minimize adverse reactions due to preservatives.

If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the administration, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and, if possible, save the remainder of the unused solution(s) for examination.

Elliotts B^® Solution is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, isotonic solution containing

Each 10 mL of Elliotts B Solution contains:

Concentration of Electrolytes:

The formulae and molecular weights of the ingredients are:

The pH of Elliotts B Solution is 6.0-7.5, and the osmolarity is 288 mOsmol per liter (calculated).

Elliotts B Solution provides a buffered salt solution for use as a diluent for the intrathecal administration of methotrexate sodium and cytarabine. It has been demonstrated that Elliotts B Solution is comparable to cerebrospinal fluid in pH, electrolyte composition, glucose content, and osmolarity:

Comparison of Electrolyte Composition, pH and Nonelectrolytic Constituents of Elliotts B Solution and CSF

The approximate buffer capacity of Elliotts B Solution is 1.1 X 10^-2 equivalents when the challenge solution is 0.01 N HCl and 7.8 X 10^-3 equivalents when the challenge solution is 0.01 N NaOH.

Compatibility studies with methotrexate sodium and cytarabine indicate these drugs are physically compatible with Elliotts B Solution.