Description

IV preparation

• Clear, colourless to yellow solution 25 mg/ml in 2 ml ampoules.
• Preparation includes sodium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate.
• pH 6.7-7.3, with an osmolality of 257 mOsmol/kg in 5% dextrose and 294 mOsmolkg in 0.9% NaCl.

• Sugar free syrup 15 mg/ml.
• Additives include ethanol (7.5% w/v), methylcellulose, hydroxybenzoates, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, saccharin sodium, sorbitol, and mint flavour.

• Charted on prescription chart in mg/dose.

Administration ^7,9

1. Dilute immediately prior to use to 1 mg/ml by adding. The suggested / recommended way of obtaining the correct dilution is that 0.2 ml (5mg) be added to 4.8ml normal saline making 5mg/5ml (thus 1mg/ml).
   • Can be diluted to 2mg/ml in fluid-restricted babies.
   • Compatible with 0.9% NaCl, 5% dextrose, or 10% dextrose.
2. Filter prior to administration through a Pall 0.2 micron filter.  May be filtered through a 0.2 micron filter.
3. Administer by slow IV infusion over 15 minutes using a syringe pump.
4. Compatible at the Y-site with dobutamine, dopamine, fluconazole and morphine when diluted to concentrations used in the Newborn Services protocols.
5. Do NOT mix with blood or blood products.
6. Incompatible with insulin.
7. Flush line with 0.9% NaCl before and after infusion of ranitidine.

1. Oral ranitidine may be given without regard to timing of feeds.
2. Administer antacids one hour before or two hours after ranitidine.

Observation and Documentation

1. Monitor for signs of adverse effects.
2. If bradycardia or arrhythmias occur during administration, discontinue the infusion and notify medical staff.
3. Observe for signs of hepatic and renal dysfunction.

Storage

IV preparation

• <25°C.  Protect from light.

• <25°C.

Selected References