Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet?
This leaflet answers some common questions about the Sterile Water for Irrigation [Water for Irrigation]. It does not contain all of the available information. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks against the benefits for you to use the Water for Irrigation in the treatment of your illness.
This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any concerns about having this treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What the Water for Irrigation is used for.
Water for Irrigation is used for general irrigation of body cavities, wounds, or indwelling urethral catheters. It is also used for rinsing or soaking surgical dressings that are in contact with wounds.
Before you are treated with Water for Irrigation
Water for Irrigation should not be used for your treatment if:
- you are undergoing a major surgical procedure (as a significant amount of water may enter your circulation causing destruction of the red blood cells).
- the solution is not clear and the seal intact.
You must tell your doctor if you:
- have any other illness
- are taking any prescription medicine or even non-prescription medicines
- are allergic to any type of medication
- are pregnant
How Water for Irrigation is used
How much is used:
Your health professionals know how much washing solution should be used for your treatment. As this medicine is a washing solution, there is no dosage limitation with this product as normally applied to other medicines.
How it is given:
Your doctor and health professionals know that the Water for Irrigation should not be injected into you. It is for external use. The Water for Irrigation in plastic bottle is for washing or rinsing of the wounds during a minor surgical procedure, whereas that in Viaflex plastic bags is for urethral irrigation given via an indwelling catheter and your health professionals know how to use them.
Water for Irrigation is for single use in a single patient
Overdose
Water for Irrigation is a washing solution; an overdose is unlikely to occur during the application of this solution for your treatment.
You should notify your nurse or doctor immediately if you have any unexpected effects. See Side Effects.
While you are using Water for Irrigation
Discuss with your doctor the progress you have experienced after the treatment, and whether any complication has occurred, especially during the first few days after the treatment.
Side effects
Adverse reactions rarely occur with the use of Water for Irrigation.
There may be undesirable effects if water damages tissues or enters the circulation. Symptoms may include fever, pain, blood in the urine, breathlessness or confusion.
If you experience any unexpected effect during or after the treatment with Water for Irrigation, you must tell your doctor or trained nurses immediately.
Product descriptions
What Water for Irrigation looks like
It is sterile, clear, colourless water filled in collapsible Viaflex plastic bags and plastic bottles. The Viaflex plastic bag is over wrapped with a plastic for protection of the product.
What is in Water for Irrigation?
Water for Irrigation does not contain any additive or antimicrobial agent. These products are only sterile water
They are supplied in flexible Viaflex plastic bags and plastic bottles as a single unit dose shown in the following
Sterile Water for Irrigation in plastic bottle (AHFCode) and Viaflex plastic bag (AHB Code) containers
Code No. AHF 7974
water (no antibacterial agent added)
Osmolarity 0 (zero) mOsmol/L
ARTG/AUSTR 35657
Pack Size 100 mL (1’s)
Code No. AHF 7113
water (no antibacterial agent added)
Osmolarity 0 (zero) mOsmol/L
ARTG/AUSTR 35657
Pack Size 500 mL (1’s)
Code No. AHF 7114
water (no antibacterial agent added)
Osmolarity 0 (zero) mOsmol/L
ARTG/AUSTR 35657
Pack Size 1000 mL (1’s)
Code No. AHB 7606
water (no antibacterial agent added)
Osmolarity 0 (zero) mOsmol/L
ARTG/AUSTR 19457
Pack Size 2000 mL (1’s)
Code No. AHB 7117
water (no antibacterial agent added)
Osmolarity 0 (zero) mOsmol/L
ARTG/AUSTR 19457
Pack Size 3000 mL (1’s)
Note: under dilute condition osmolarity is approximately the same as osmolality (The products do not contain any substance other than water; thus osmolarity is zero)
How to store the Water for Irrigation
Exposure to heat should be minimised. Avoid excessive heat. Store below 25 °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
ACN Number: 000 392 781
1 Baxter Drive
Old Toongabbie NSW 2146, Sydney
Last revision (final): 18th November 2002.
Proposed CMI in Australia. 18th Nov. 2002
Published by MIMS May 2003