GLYCINE: 66 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

DESCRIPTION 1.5% Glycine Irrigation, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, hypotonic, aqueous solution of glycine intended only for urologic irrigation during transurethral surgical procedures.

Each

100 mL contains 1.5 g of glycine in water for injection. The solution is nonelectrolytic, hypotonic and has an osmolarity of 200 mOsmol/liter (calc.); pH 6.0 (4.5 to 6.5). The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended only for use as a single-dose irrigation. When smaller volumes are required, the unused portion should be discarded. 1.5% Glycine Irrigation is a urologic nonelectrolyte irrigant. Glycine, USP is chemically designated aminoacetic acid (C 2 H 5 NO 2 ), a white crystalline powder freely soluble in water. It has the following structural formula: NH 2 CH 2 COOH Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H 2 0. The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinylchloride. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap but not in amounts sufficient to affect the solution significantly. The semi-rigid container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyolefin. It is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene. The container requires no vapor barrier to maintain the proper drug concentration. The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinylchloride. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap but not in amounts sufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the plastic container may leach out certain chemical components from the plastic in very small amounts; however, biological testing was supportive of the safety of the plastic container materials. Exposure to temperatures above 25°C/77°F during transport and storage will lead to minor losses in moisture content. Higher temperatures lead to greater losses. It is unlikely that these minor losses will lead to clinically significant changes within the expiration period.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE 1.5% Glycine Irrigation, USP is indicated for use as a urologic irrigating fluid with endoscopic instruments during transurethral procedures requiring distension, irrigation, and lavage of the urinary bladder. It may be used for lavage of an indwelling catheter to maintain patency.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 1.5% Glycine Irrigation, USP should be administered only by transurethral instillation with appropriate urologic instrumentation. A disposable irrigation set should be used. The total volume of solution used for irrigation is solely at the discretion of the surgeon. Height of container(s) above the operating table in excess of 60 cm (approx. 2 ft.) has been reported to increase intravascular absorption of the irrigating fluid.

Drug Interactions

Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution container permits. See PRECAUTIONS.

CONTRAINDICATIONS 1.5% Glycine Irrigation USP is not for injection. It is contraindicated in patients with anuria.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions may result from intravascular absorption of glycine. Large intravenous doses of glycine are known to cause salivation, nausea and lightheadedness. Other consequences of absorption of urologic irrigating solutions include fluid and electrolyte disturbances such as acidosis, electrolyte loss, marked diuresis, urinary retention, edema, dryness of mouth, thirst, dehydration, coma from hyponatremia, secondary hyponatremia due to fluid overload, and hyperammonemia with resultant coma and/or encephalopathy; cardiovascular disorders such as hypotension, tachycardia, angina-like pains; pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary congestion; and other general reactions such as blurred vision, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, rhinitis, chills, vertigo, backache, transient blindness and urticaria. Allergic reactions from glycine are unknown or exceedingly rare. Should adverse reactions occur, discontinue the irrigation and re-evaluate the clinical status of the patient. Post-Marketing Experience Following off-label use of 1.5% Glycine Irrigation, USP for hysteroscopic procedures in women, life-threatening adverse events related to fluid overload have been reported.

WARNINGS Not for injection. Solutions for urologic irrigation must be used with caution in patients with severe cardiopulmonary or renal dysfunction. Irrigating fluids used during transurethral prostatectomy have been demonstrated to enter the systemic circulation in relatively large volumes; thus 1.5% Glycine Irrigation, USP must be regarded as a systemic drug. Absorption of large amounts of fluids containing glycine may significantly alter cardiopulmonary and renal dynamics. Careful cardiovascular monitoring should be maintained due to the possibility of fluid overload. Should fluid overload occur, intensive fluid and electrolyte management is necessary. Monitoring of fluid and electrolyte levels beyond the acute phase may be considered due to the possibility of delayed fluid absorption. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Experience). The contents of an opened container should be used promptly to minimize the possibility of bacterial growth or pyrogen formation. Discard the unused portion of irrigating solution since no antimicrobial agent has been added.

PRECAUTIONS Cardiovascular status, especially of the patient with cardiac disease, should be carefully observed before and during transurethral resection of the prostate when using glycine irrigating solution, because the quantity of fluid absorbed into the systemic circulation by opened prostatic veins may produce significant expansion of the extracellular fluid and lead to fulminating congestive heart failure. Shift of sodium free intracellular fluid into the extracellular compartment following systemic absorption of solution may lower serum sodium concentration and aggravate pre-existing hyponatremia. Care should be exercised if impaired liver function is known or suspected. Under such conditions, ammonia resulting from metabolism of glycine may accumulate in the blood. Aseptic technique is essential with the use of sterile solutions for irrigation. The administration set should be attached promptly. Unused portions should be discarded and a fresh container of appropriate size used for the start-up of each cycle or repeat procedure. Do not administer unless solution is clear, seal is intact and container is undamaged. Discard unused portion. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Studies with Glycine Irrigation, USP have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility.

Nursing

Mothers: Caution should be exercised when Glycine Irrigation, USP is administered to a nursing woman. Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects.

Pregnancy

Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Glycine Irrigation, USP. It is also not known whether Glycine Irrigation, USP can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.

Glycine

Irrigation, USP should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pediatric

Use: The safety and effectiveness of Glycine Irrigation have not been established. Its limited use in pediatric patients has been inadequate to fully define proper dosage and limitations for use.