Hydration Solution for Injection

Your doctor has ordered an intravenous hydration solution for injection. Hydration solution is used for patients who cannot or should not get fluids through drinking and eating. The hydration solution will drip through a needle or catheter in your vein for about 10-12 hours each day, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Your hydration solution may include a combination of sugar and carbohydrates (for energy), electrolytes, and trace elements. Your solution may contain all or some of these substances, depending on your condition. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. Trace elements include zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. Electrolytes and trace elements are important for maintaining almost every organ in your body. They help your heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly and keep you from becoming dehydrated. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.

Before administering hydration,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially corticosteroids, heart or diabetes medications, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or heart, kidney, liver, thyroid, or lung disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking hydration, call your doctor.

Before you administer hydration solution, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.

Hydration may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately:

• fever or chills

• stomach pain

• difficulty breathing

• rapid weight gain or loss

• increased urination

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• confusion or memory loss

• muscle weakness, twitching, or cramps

• swelling of the hands, feet, or legs

• increased thirst

• tingling in the hands or feet

• jumpy reflexes

• seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

• Your health care provider probably will give you a several-day supply of hydration at a time. You will be told to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Take your next dose from the refrigerator 4-6 hours before using it; place it in a clean, dry area to allow it to warm to room temperature.

• If you are told to store additional hydration in the freezer, always move a 24-hour supply to the refrigerator for the next day's use.

• Do not refreeze medications.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

If you are receiving hydration solution in your vein or under your skin, you need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:

• tenderness

• warmth

• irritation

• drainage

• redness

• swelling

• pain

Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010