tromethamine

What is the most important information I should know about tromethamine?

You should not receive this medication if you have uremia (urea circulating in your blood), or if you are unable to urinate (such as due to kidney failure).

Before receiving tromethamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have asthma, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, weak or shallow breathing, swelling or skin changes where the medicine was injected, fast heart rate, or feeling like you might pass out.

What is tromethamine?

Tromethamine affects the balance of water and electrolytes in the body.

Tromethamine is used to treat metabolic acidosis (an electrolyte imbalance). Metabolic acidosis can have many causes. It often occurs after heart bypass surgery or cardiac arrest.

Tromethamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving tromethamine?

You should not receive this medication if you have uremia (urea circulating in your blood) or if you are unable to urinate (such as due to kidney failure).

If possible, before you receive tromethamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• congestive heart failure; or
• asthma or other breathing problems.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive tromethamine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether tromethamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with tromethamine to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

How is tromethamine given?

Tromethamine is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion.

Tromethamine is often given for only a short period of time, such as one day. The length of time you receive treatment will depend on how your body responds to the medication.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and heart function will need to be checked throughout your treatment.

After treatment with tromethamine, you will be closely watched and tested to make sure the medication has been effective and you no longer have any effects of metabolic acidosis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since tromethamine is usually given as needed in a hospital setting, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include fast heart rate, rapid weight gain, trouble breathing; confusion, sweating, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid after receiving tromethamine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after your treatment with tromethamine.

What are the possible side effects of tromethamine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• pain, swelling, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
• fast heart rate; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• hunger, weakness;
• confusion, irritability;
• drowsiness, dizziness, tremors;
• headache, weakness; or
• increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect tromethamine?

Before receiving tromethamine, tell your doctor if you have recently used any type of medication that can slow your breathing, such as a narcotic pain reliever.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with tromethamine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about tromethamine.