Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet?
This leaflet answers some common questions about Compound Sodium Lactate Intravenous Infusion (Hartmann’s Solution). It does not contain all of the available information. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Hartmann’s Solution IV Infusion against the benefit they expect it will have for you.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
What Hartmann’s Solution is used for
This medicine is used to replace and balance body fluid and mineral salts that may be lost for a variety of medical reasons.
Before you are given Hartmann’s Solution
Hartmann’s Solution should not be given to you if:
- you have an allergy to any ingredient listed at the end of this leaflet;
- you have congestive heart failure (constant wheezing, shortness of breath);
- you have severely reduced kidney function;
- you have too much sodium and chloride in your blood that is not being corrected with medication;
- it is intended to be administered at the same time and through the same injection equipment as blood preparations (citrate anticoagulated/preserved blood) or ceftriaxone, an antibiotic (if a baby < 1 month of age is to be treated, administration at the same time as ceftriaxone must never occur)
- the expiry date printed on the pack on the bottom of the bag has passed, or if the packaging is torn or shows any signs of tampering.
You must tell your doctor if you:
- have heart problems;
- have kidney problems including kidney stones;
- you have too much potassium or calcium in your blood that is not being corrected with medication
- have diabetes;
- are taking any other medicines including those you can buy without a prescription, in particular digoxin (a medicine for heart problems), medicines for high blood pressure (diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARAs), immunosuppressant medicines (tacrolimus or cyclosporine), potassium supplements, corticosteroids, lithium or vitamin D;
- are pregnant
- are breast-feeding
How Hartmann’s Solution is given
How much is given:
Your doctor will decide how much Hartmann’s Solution will be given to you, which depends on your need and condition. The medicine is given by a slow rate (drip) injection, therefore it should be given by using special equipment and attended by a health professional (doctor, trained nurse).
How it is given:
Hartmann’s Solution will be given at a slow rate of injection (drip) by a health professional. Usually, you will need to stay in a health institution (hospital, clinic, nursing home, etc.) but in some cases at home, as it requires a special medical equipment to deliver the medicine into your circulation. This delivery should be attended by a health professional. A cannula (administration needle) is placed in a vein by your doctor or nurse.
The infusion is for single use, and for one person only. Any unused portion must be discarded and not used later, either for you or anyone else.
Case of overdose
The doctor or nurse giving you the Hartmann’s Solution has had experience in the use of this sort of medicine, so it is unlikely that you will be given an overdose. However, in case of an overdose, the infusion will be discontinued and another treatment may be needed. You may experience some of the effects listed under “Side Effects” below.
While you are receiving Hartmann’s Solution
Discuss with your doctor the progress you have experienced after the treatment, and whether any complication has occurred, especially during the first few days of therapy. Frequent clinical evaluation and laboratory tests may be required. As Hartmann’s Solution is normally given in a hospital, your nurse will take records of your progress and any unexpected reactions.
Side effects
As with any medicines, some side effects may occur. Your body may also retain sodium and this may result in a build-up of fluid and swelling of the hands, ankles and feet. Additionally, as with other preparations similar to Hartmann’s Solution, pain, irritation, inflammation, swelling or abnormal clotting at the site of injection is also possible.
Always tell your doctor or nurse if you have any unexpected effects during or after receiving Hartmann’s Solution and they worry you.
In rare circumstances, more serious side effects may occur such as chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat, or fluid on the lungs or swelling of the face, lips or mouth causing breathing difficulties. If these occur, tell your health professional on duty immediately. These may be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Your health professional will take appropriate action promptly, such as stopping the infusion.
Product descriptions
What Hartmann’s Solution looks like
It is a clear, colourless solution filled in plastic bags.
What is in Hartmann’s Solution
The active components are: sodium lactate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride and calcium chloride, formulated and dissolved in water for injection.
How to store Hartmann’s Solution
Hartmann’s Solution will be stored in the pharmacy or the hospital ward. It is recommended that the product be stored below 30°C.
Where can you get more information?
You can get more information from your doctor or pharmacist.
Name and address of the sponsor
Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd
1 Baxter Drive
Old Toongabbie NSW 2146
Australia
Date of preparation: March 2014
Australian registration numbers
AUST R 19468
Potassium Chloride (0.22%), Sodium Chloride (0.6%), Sodium lactate (0.322 %) & Calcium chloride (0.027%) [Modified Hartmann] – AHB2954
AUST R 19425
Potassium Chloride (0. 04%), Sodium Chloride (0.6%), Sodium lactate (0.322%) & Calcium Chloride (0.027%) [Hartmann] – AHB2323
AUST R 48510
Potassium Chloride (0.04%), Sodium Chloride (0.6%), Sodium lactate (0.322%) & Calcium Chloride (0.027%) [Hartmann] – AHB2324
Baxter and Viaflex are registered trademarks of Baxter International, Inc.
Published by MIMS May 2019
