Lactated Ringers

Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation is indicated for all general irrigation, washing and rinsing purposes which permit use of a sterile, nonpyrogenic electrolyte solution.

The dose is dependent upon the capacity or surface area of the structure to be irrigated and the nature of the procedure. When used as a vehicle for other drugs, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.

Tear at notch and along dotted line and remove container. Some opacity of the plastic due to moisture absorption during the sterilization process may be observed. This is normal and does not affect the solution quality or safety. The opacity will diminish gradually.

Possible adverse effects arising from the irrigation of body cavities, tissues, or indwelling catheters and tubes are usually avoidable when proper procedures are followed. Displaced catheters or drainage tubes can lead to irrigation or infiltration of unintended structures or cavities. Excessive volume or pressure during irrigation of closed cavities may cause undue distension or disruption of tissues. Accidental contamination from careless technique may transmit infection.

Should any adverse reaction occur, discontinue the irrigant, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary.

Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store.

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

Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of electrolytes in water for injection intended only for sterile irrigation, washing and rinsing purposes. The composition is based on a modification of the injectable formula originally known as Hartmann’s Solution.

Each 100 mL of Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation contains: Sodium chloride 600 mg; sodium lactate, anhydrous 310 mg; potassium chloride 30 mg; calcium chloride, dihydrate 20 mg. The pH is 6.6 (6.0 — 7.5). The solution is isotonic (274 mOsmol/liter, calc.) and has the following electrolyte content (mEq/liter): Sodium (Na⁺) 130; potassium (K⁺) 4; calcium (Ca⁺⁺) 3; chloride (Cl⁻) 109 and lactate (CH₃CH(OH)COO⁻) 28. Contains sodium hydroxide and may contain hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.

The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended only for use as a single-dose or short procedure irrigation. When smaller volumes are required, the unused portion should be discarded. Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation may be classified as a sterile irrigant, wash, rinse and pharmaceutical vehicle.

Calcium Chloride, USP is chemically designated calcium chloride, dihydrate (CaCl₂ • 2H₂O), white fragments or granules freely soluble in water.

Potassium Chloride, USP is chemically designated KCl, a white granular powder freely soluble in water.

Sodium Chloride, USP is chemically designated NaCl, a white crystalline powder freely soluble in water.

Sodium Lactate, USP is chemically designated C₃H₅NaO₃, a 60% aqueous solution miscible in water. It has the following structural formula:

Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H₂O.

The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinylchloride. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap but not in amounts sufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions inside the plastic container also can leach out certain of its chemical components in very small amounts before the expiration period is attained. However, the safety of the plastic has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological standards for plastic containers.