Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Icodextrin should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Your doctor will decide how much of the solution you need and tell you how often it should be used. This solution is given through a special tube called a catheter. The catheter is placed in your abdomen during a minor operation.

Your doctor, nurse, or other trained health professional will teach you about peritoneal dialysis and how it works. Make sure you understand all instructions before doing the process yourself. Follow all of the steps in the process exactly as you were trained to do.

This solution is only one kind of fluid that you will use during peritoneal dialysis. This solution is for the long dwell exchange of peritoneal dialysis. The long dwell exchange lasts longer than 8 hours. You will have other fluids to use during other exchanges. You should not use this solution more than one time in 24 hours, unless your doctor tells you to.

To use:

  • Look at the solution in its container before you use it. Do not use the solution if it is cloudy or has small specks floating in it. Do not use the solution if the container has a leak.
  • You may warm the solution up to about 37 degrees C before you use it. Do not take the wrapping off of the container of solution until after you have warmed the solution. The best way to warm the solution is to wrap a dry heating pad around the container and wrapping. Do not warm the solution in a microwave oven or put it in water. Do not let the temperature of the solution get above 40 degrees C.
  • Keep the solution in the container and the wrapping until you are ready to use it. Keep the solution container and connections clean.
  • Put the solution into your catheter over about 10 to 20 minutes.
  • After you drain the fluid back out of your catheter, look at the fluid. Call your caregiver if you see clumps or stringy material, or if the fluid is cloudy.
  • Do not add anything to the solution unless your health caregiver tells you to. Sometimes, you might need to add potassium (a mineral) or other medicines to the solution. Your health caregiver will tell you if need to add anything to the solution.
  • Throw away any unused solution. Do not use this solution for more than one time.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.