Aqupharm No. 11 is an isotonic solution used in dogs and cat-Hyperdrug

Presentation Aqupharm No. 11 is a sterile, preservative free solution for infusion presented in a flexible pouch containing: Sodium chloride Ph Eur 0.6% w/v Potassium chloride Ph Eur 0.04% w/v Calcium chloride dihydrate Ph eur 0.027% w/v Sodium lactate 0.32% w/v That is 131 millimoles of sodium, 5 millimoles of potassium, 2 millimoles of calcium, 111 millimoles of chloride and 29 millimoles of bicarbonate (as lactate) per litre. Uses Aqupharm No. 11 is an isotonic solution used in dogs and cats for the treatment of persistent diarrhoea and in pyometra when a profuse vaginal discharge is present. It will combat metabolic acidosis. It may be used to expand extracellular fluids or to restore extracellular electrolytes in practically all cases.

Dosage and administration Aqupharm No. 11 should be prewarmed to 37°C to prevent hypothermia. Remove outer bag and protective giving set inlet tab. Push cannula fully into giving set. Prime giving set. Perform venepuncture and immediately attach giving set. Adjust infusion rate as required. Delivery is from a closed circuit, it does not need an air inlet. Giving sets should be changed at least once every 24 hours. The quantity of fluid and electrolyte for administration will depend upon existing deficits, maintenance needs and continuing losses. The existing deficit is that which has been lost prior to examination. This must be estimated by evaluating the patient's history, making a physical examination and using laboratory aids. Maintenance therapy is to replace normal losses occurring via urine, faeces, respiratory tract and skin. As a general rule maintenance therapy requires 50mls/kg bodyweight/day. Continuing losses during a disease period should be estimated whenever possible, i.e. quantity of vomit, diarrhoea or blood loss. The clinical response of the animal rather than formulae or equations should be used to guide fluid therapy. The intravenous route of administration is preferred. Indwelling venous catheters offer significant advantage in intravenous fluid therapy. Subcutaneous administration may be used for isotonic and non-irritating solutions. The rate of administration should be considered with each individual patient. The aim should be to correct about half of the calculated deficit in the first 1–2 hours. As a general rule the following formula is the maximum satisfactory rate (less where cardiovascular or pulmonary disease exists). Maximum rate=Body wt (kg)×90=mls fluid per hour. This rate should be slowed after the first hour and considerably slowed if no urine flow is established. Signs of over rapid administration include restlessness, moist lung sounds, tachycardia, tachypnoea, nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc Contra-indications Sodium overload may occur in cases with myocardial and renal damage. It should also be appreciated that in the period following surgery or severe trauma there may be an inability to excrete unwanted sodium. Lactate containing solutions are to be avoided in liver dysfunction case Undesirable effects Hypernatraemia (sodium overload) or an inability to excrete excessive sodium. Thrombosis of a chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusions. If infusion is protracted then another vein should be selected after 12-24 hours. Precautions For animal treatment only. Although Aqupharm No. 11 provides potassium this is only enough to maintain the potassium content of extracellular fluid and would be quite inadequate in those cases with severe potassium loss. Under these circumstances oral potassium supplements must be given. Lactate overdose in cases with heart disease may provoke arrhythmias and heart failure. Treatment of overdosage Symptoms: Associated signs of hypernatraemia include pronounced thirst, dry mucous membranes, constipation, hyperpyrexia, CNS disturbances and ultimately convulsions. A plasma Na+ concentration of > 150mEq/l and a urine specific gravity of > 1.030 indicate a hypernatraemic state. Treatment of overdosage: Injection of a diuretic. Pharmaceutical precautions Store below 25°C. Do not freeze. Store out of the reach of children. Before use the bag should be inspected and rejected if the solution is not clear or if the inner container is damaged. Contains no preservative. For single use only, any remaining solution should be discarded. Interactions with other medicines: Drugs should not be mixed in infusion containers or giving sets unless the components are of known compatibility. The user should refer to the manufacturer's literature for any drug substances which he or she proposes to co-administer, and also to the Appendix of Drug Incompatibilities in the current edition of the Veterinary Formulary. Dispose of any unused product and empty containers in accordance with guidance from your local waste regulation authority.

Aqupharm 11