Normosol®-R Solution

“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Normosol®-R Solution during a consultation by Dr Noor.”

Normosol®-R Solution for pets

(nor-mo-soll r)

Description:

This is a sterile liquid used to replace body fluids (water) and important salts (electrolytes). These salts include sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are normally present in the bloodstream.

Other Names for this Medication:

Norm-R

Common Dosage Forms:

Veterinary:
- Sterile liquid in 500 mL, 1000 mL, 3000 mL, and 5000 mL bags or bottles.
Human:
- Sterile liquid in 250 mL, 500 mL, and 1000 mL bags.

Normosol®-R Solution for pets. This handout does not include every possible detail about this medication. It is meant to answer common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you still have questions or need more details, contact your veterinarian or your pharmacist.

Key Information

This is a sterile liquid that supplies water and salts (electrolytes) such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are normally found in blood.
Use extra care if your animal has kidney failure or heart failure.
This liquid is used with an administration set (also called an “IV set” or “drip set”) and a needle.
To give the liquid under the skin, you must use a sterile needle. Used needles must be thrown away safely and must NOT go into regular household trash.
Once empty, the bag and the tubing can be thrown away in regular trash.

How is this medication useful?

Normosol®-R solution is used to provide extra water and salts.

The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe this solution for animals in many different situations and for many different health problems. You and your veterinarian can decide together what is best for your animal.

What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?

Many different factors can change how well this solution works for your animal. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can make treatment choices together.

Some medicines can affect how this solution works. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your animal receives, including medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
If your animal has had the same illness or problem before, explain what treatment was used and whether it helped or did not help.
If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this solution.
Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any past side effects your animal has had from solutions or medicines. This includes allergic reactions and signs such as not wanting to eat, diarrhea, itching, or hair loss.

How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?

You should usually see your animal start to feel better within 1 to 2 hours. After that, the signs you are seeing should begin to improve.

This solution does not last long in the body. Its effects usually end within 24 hours. The effects may last longer if your animal has advanced kidney disease and/or advanced liver disease.

When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?

No treatment is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special concerns for your animal.

This solution SHOULD NOT be used in patients:

That have an allergy to it.

This solution should be used WITH CAUTION in patients:

With heart failure.
With severe kidney problems.
With a health problem that could get worse because of the salts in the solution.
With severe liver impairment.
With water retention.
With high potassium levels in the blood.
With too little acid in the blood.

If your animal has any of the conditions or signs listed above, talk with your veterinarian about the possible benefits compared with the possible risks.

What are the side effects of this medication?

Side effects that usually are not serious include:

If any of these problems are strong, get worse, or do not go away, contact your veterinarian.

A stinging or burning feeling where the fluids are being given.

Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:

If you notice any of the signs below, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Fluid buildup. Fluid can collect under the skin of the legs and chest. This swelling should be gone before the next scheduled fluid treatment.
Infection. This may look like redness, soreness, or fluid draining at or near the place where the fluids were given.
Trouble breathing; coughing.

If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?

If you think your animal may have been given too much of this solution, contact your veterinarian to ask what to do next.

How should this medication be given?

For this solution to help, you must give it exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Read the prescription label to confirm you are giving the correct amount and following the correct schedule.

Preparing the solution for your animal:

Before you give this solution, check that it looks clear. If it looks cloudy or has changed color, throw it away.
Take the fluid bag and the administration set out of the outer wrapping.
Make sure the solution is warm, but not warmer than body temperature (99° F, 37° C). A common way is to put the container in a zip-close bag and place it in warm water. Move the bag around well so it warms evenly. Do NOT warm the bag in a microwave.
Choose a clean place to set up and give the fluids. During setup, you will let a small amount of fluid run out of the bag. You may want to work near a sink or use a small container to catch the fluid.
Make sure every clamp on the administration set is closed.

Administering the solution:

To open the fluid bag, flip the bag upside down and remove the plastic stopper at the top. Keep the bag upside down until the tubing is connected (described below), or the fluid will leak out.
Push the spike from the administration set into the top of the bag carefully. Do not touch the spike and do not let it get dirty. While inserting it, do not let the spike poke any other part of the bag.
Use the hole (eyelet) at the top of the bag to hang it as high as you can. The higher it hangs, the easier gravity will help the fluid flow into your animal. A coat hanger or an S-hook can be used to hold the bag.
Open all clamps.
Press the sides of the drip chamber until you see fluid moving from the bag into the drip chamber and then into the tubing.
Let the fluid run through the tubing. Allow a small amount to drain into a sink or a clean container. Do not touch the end of the tubing while doing this. Then close one clamp on the tubing to stop the flow while you get ready to give the fluids.
Put the cap back on the end of the tubing so it stays clean while you bring your animal and get them ready.
When you are ready to start, connect a new needle to the end of the administration set.
Your veterinarian will show you how to give these fluids. Make sure you fully understand the instructions before you try to do it on your own. The steps below are meant to remind you of key points for home treatment.
If your animal is hard to treat, or if at any time you are worried your animal cannot handle the process, stop and call your veterinarian for instructions.
The skin does not need to be clipped, shaved, or cleaned with disinfectant for this procedure. However, the skin should not have dirt or debris on it.
At first, you will need two people. One person gives the fluids, and the other person holds and comforts the animal.
Kind words, petting, holding close, wrapping (swaddling), and offering food as a distraction may help your animal accept the procedure.
Your veterinarian will tell you where to give the fluids and how much to give. The fluid is placed under the skin about ¾ to 2 inches (2–5 cm) away from the middle line of the back, along the area from head to tail. The location can vary from just behind the shoulder blade to a little in front of the hip bone. If your animal needs fluids more than once, switch sides so you alternate between the right and left side.
With your free hand, lift up a fold of skin. Keep the needle lined up along your animal’s body, with the slanted opening (bevel) facing up. The needle tip should point downward, and you should be able to see the needle opening.
Do not accidentally poke yourself.
Insert the needle into the middle of the skin fold as your veterinarian instructed. Use gentle but steady pressure. If the needle is not under the skin, you will need to change the direction and repeat the step.
After you are sure the needle is under the skin, open the clamps so the fluid starts running. If the fluid is going very slowly or you see fluid leaking onto the fur/skin, adjust the needle position. This can happen if the needle is not under the skin or if it went through the skin fold and out the other side.
Use the printed measurement marks on the bag to see when you have given the amount your veterinarian prescribed. It may help to draw a line on the outside of the bag with a permanent marker.
A soft swelling (lump) will form where the fluid is placed, and it should slowly go down over 4 to 6 hours. If a large amount is needed, you may have to give the fluid in more than one spot at the same time, or give fluids more than once in a day.
Giving the fluid may take only a few minutes for each 100 mL. Watch to make sure drops continue in the drip chamber. If the dripping stops, the needle may need a small twist or a slight repositioning under the skin. Do not take the needle out.
When you have given the full amount, close the clamps to stop the fluid.
Remove the needle quickly and firmly. Be careful not to poke yourself or inject yourself. A small amount of fluid may leak from the spot where the needle came out.
Right after use, put the needle into a sharps container. See the section titled “How should I dispose of needles or unused solution?”
If you did not use the whole bag, place a new, clean needle on the end of the administration set to cap it.
This solution may be needed for different lengths of time. Some animals may need fluid treatment for a long time, or even for life. Make sure you know how long your veterinarian wants you to continue. You may need prescription refills before treatment is finished. If you want to stop giving the fluids, speak with your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to keep going.

What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?

If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, do not give the missed one. Instead, give the next dose at the regular time.
After that, continue with the normal schedule.
Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep unused solution in its original packaging. Store it at room temperature and keep it away from light.
Normosol®-R solution has no preservatives. After a bag is opened, both the bag and the administration set should be thrown away and replaced every 5–7 days, or sooner if your veterinarian tells you to.
Keep fluid bags, tubing, and needles where children and other animals cannot reach them.

Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?

No special safety steps are needed when handling this solution unless you are allergic to it. Wash your hands after you handle this solution or any medication.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

If you have unused Normosol®-R solution, you may pour it into a sink or toilet. After that, the empty plastic container can be placed in regular trash or recycling.
If other medicines were mixed into the Normosol®-R solution, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist how to dispose of it correctly.
Do not keep leftover solution to use later, and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Ask your veterinarian or pharmacist how to get a container for used needles. Keep sharps containers away from children and animals. When the container is about three-quarters full, dispose of it following your local rules. You can ask a local pharmacy, your trash service, or your health department about disposal options in your area.

What other information is important for this medication?

Some animal competitions may not allow the use of this solution. Check the rules before entering your animal in a competition while your animal is receiving this solution.
If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”

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