Glycine

What it is used for

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.

How to take it

The volume of solution needed will vary with the nature and duration of the urologic procedure.

If desired, warm in overwrap to near body temperature in a water bath or oven heated to not more than 45°C.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

Side effects, and when to stop

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.

Who should not take it

Anuria.

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.

The cardiovascular status, especially of the patient with cardiac disease, should be carefully observed before and during transurethral resection of the prostate when using 1.5% Glycine Irrigation, USP, because the quantity of fluid absorbed into the systemic circulation by opened prostatic veins may produce significant expansion of the intravascular fluid and lead to fulminating congestive heart failure.

Shift of sodium-free intracellular fluid into the extracellular compartment, following systemic absorption, may lower serum sodium concentration and aggravate preexisting 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.