Ecoflac infusion solutions: risk of air embolism

To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.

• From: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• Published: 11 December 2014

• Therapeutic area: Anaesthesia and intensive care, Cancer, Cardiovascular disease and lipidology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Ear, nose and throat, Endocrinology, diabetology and metabolism, GI, hepatology and pancreatic disorders, Haematology, Immunology and vaccination, Immunosuppression and transplantation, Infectious disease, Neurology, Nutrition and dietetics, Obstetrics, gynaecology and fertility, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics and neonatology, Pain management and palliation, Psychiatry, Radiology and imaging, Respiratory disease and allergy, Rheumatology, Urology and nephrology

Article date: November 2007

These semi-rigid plastic containers contain infusion solutions (glucose, KCl, or NaCl) for intravenous administration. They are designed to collapse during use, and they include a substantial volume of air. To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure. It is recommended that they are used under gravity feed with a drip tube or an intravenous infusion pump to minimise the risk of air embolism. Partially used containers should not be reused.

Article citation: Drug Safety Update November 2007, vol 1 issue 4: 10c.

Published 11 December 2014