2.1 Important Administration Instructions

•

For irrigation only. Not for intravenous injection.

•

Sterile Water for Irrigation is hypotonic with an osmolarity of zero mOsmol/L. It is intended for use as an irrigation fluid and not for intravenous administration or administration by other, parenteral routes (e.g., subcutaneous or intramuscular) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

•

Sterile Water for Irrigation is not potable water and is not intended for oral administration.

•

Sterile Water for Irrigation that has been warmed must not be returned to storage.

2.2 Recommended Dosage

The volume and/or rate of irrigation depend on the type of the procedure and the capacity or the surface area of the structure to be irrigated.

2.3 Preparation and Administration Instructions

For single-dose only. Sterile Water for Irrigation is available in a flexible plastic container and a plastic pour bottle. Use the contents of the opened container immediately to minimize the potential for bacterial growth and pyrogen formation. Discard the unused contents of opened containers, as Sterile Water for Irrigation contains no antimicrobial preservative.

Adding Medications to Either the Flexible Plastic Container or the Plastic Pour Bottle

•

Use aseptic technique when making additions to Sterile Water for Irrigation.

•

Additives may be incompatible with Sterile Water for Irrigation.

•

The compatibility of additives with Sterile Water for Irrigation must be assessed. Before introducing additives, check for a possible color change and/or the appearance of precipitates, insoluble complexes, or crystals.

•

Before adding a substance or medication, verify that it is soluble and/or stable in water and that the pH range of Sterile Water for Irrigation is appropriate.

•

Additives known or determined to be incompatible should not be used.

•

Mix thoroughly after additives have been introduced.

•

Use immediately.

Administration Instructions for Irrigation by Gravity Using the Flexible Plastic Container

1.

Use aseptic technique.

2.

Tear overwrap down side at slit and remove solution container. Visually inspect the container. If the outlet port protector is damaged, detached, or not present, discard container as solution path sterility may be impaired. 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. Check for minute leaks by squeezing the container firmly. If leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired.

3.

Suspend container using hanger hole.

4.

Remove plastic protector from outlet port at bottom of container.

5.

Attach irrigation set. Refer to complete directions accompanying set.

Warming

If desired, warm the flexible plastic container in overwrap to near body temperature in a water bath or fluid warmer heated to not more than 45°C.

Microwave heating of irrigation fluids is not recommended.

Administration Using the Plastic Pour Bottle

1.

Inspect Sterile Water for Irrigation visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use. Discard if the fluid is not clear or the seal is broken.

2.

Use aseptic technique

3.

Remove the plastic shrink band by tearing along the perforation line and unscrew the bottle cap.

4.

Prevent contact of the fluid with the external surface of the container (including the thread for the bottle cap of the plastic pour bottle).

 

Warming

If desired, warm the plastic pour bottle in a fluid warmer to not more than 50°C for a maximum of 60 days. Discard after 60 days of warming.

Microwave heating of irrigation fluids is not recommended.

5.1 Hypotonicity

Sterile Water for Irrigation is hypotonic with an osmolarity of zero mOsmol/L. It is intended for use as irrigation fluid and not for intravenous administration or administration by other, usual parenteral routes, such as intravascular administration in general, subcutaneous administration, or intramuscular administration.

Serious adverse reactions, including cerebral or pulmonary edema, massive hemolysis, and acute renal failure can result from the hypotonicity of Sterile Water for Irrigation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

5.2 Excessive Water Absorption

Due to the hypotonicity, absorption of Sterile Water for Irrigation can result in serious adverse reactions of hyponatremia, hypoosmolality and fluid overload, resulting in fatality or permanent morbidity. Complications include cerebral edema, encephalopathy, pulmonary edema, massive hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and hyperkalemia [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. In addition, excessive volume or pressure of the irrigation fluid may also cause undue distension of body cavities and may cause tissue disruption (e.g., tears or perforation). These complications can manifest after irrigation has ended and immediate intervention may be required.

Monitor patients closely for absorption of clinically relevant amounts of fluid during and for an appropriate period after the procedure. If absorption occurs, discontinue Sterile Water for Irrigation.

Additional close monitoring during and/or after the procedure is recommended for patients at increased risk for developing complications related to hypotonicity, such as:

•

fluid overload syndrome, including patients with severe renal impairment, impaired cardiac function, or other clinical conditions associated with edematous states.

•

hyponatremic encephalopathy, including pediatric patients; women, in particular premenopausal women; patients with hypoxemia; and patients with underlying central nervous system disease.

Avoid use of Sterile Water for Irrigation in patients with wounds where significant absorption may occur, such as procedures that require irrigation over a longer period of time or an irrigation fluid pressure that promotes absorption (e.g., transurethral resection of prostate). Sterile Water for Irrigation should only be used by clinicians familiar with the treatment of possible complications.

5.3 Use with Electrosurgery/Cautery

In contrast to other irrigation fluids containing electrolytes, Sterile Water for Irrigation is non-conductive. Therefore, when choosing the distension solution/fluid used with electrosurgery or cautery, ensure compatibility with the equipment.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Appropriate administration of Sterile Water for Irrigation is not expected to cause adverse developmental outcomes. There are no available data on Sterile Water for Irrigation use in pregnant women to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Sterile Water for Irrigation.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Appropriate administration of Sterile Water for Irrigation is not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. There are no data on the presence of Sterile Water for Irrigation in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes a clear determination of the risk of Sterile Water for Irrigation to a breastfed infant; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Sterile Water for Irrigation and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Sterile Water for Irrigation or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Pediatric patients are at higher risk compared to adults for developing encephalopathy as a complication of hyponatremia, if there is excessive absorption of Sterile Water for Irrigation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Sterile Water for Irrigation should be used cautiously in older patients. Geriatric patients are more likely to have decreased cardiac, renal, or hepatic function, and other diseases or concomitant drug therapy.