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Sodium Chloride (Catheter Flush) Injection

(so dee um) (klor ide)

About your treatment   Return to top

Your doctor has ordered sodium chloride flush to be used to keep your intravenous (IV) catheter from becoming blocked and to remove any medicine from the IV catheter site. It is used each time your IV catheter is used.

You will probably use a sodium chloride flush several times a day. Your health care provider will determine the number of sodium chloride flushes you will need a day.

Precautions   Return to top

Before administering sodium chloride flush,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Administering your medication   Return to top

Before you administer sodium chloride flush, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. 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 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 administer it more often than or for longer periods than your doctor tells you. 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 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.

Side effects   Return to top

Sodium chloride flush may cause side effects. Tell your health care provider if the following symptom is severe or does not go away:

• irritation at the injection site

Storing your medication   Return to top

• Your health care provider probably will give you several days supply of sodium chloride. You will be told how to prepare each dose.

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 the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

Signs of infection   Return to top

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

Other names   Return to top

Last Reviewed - 09/01/2008

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

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