Can lipid emulsion be diluted with saline for injection?
Sep 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Liqiang
Introduction
In general, fat emulsions refer to medium- and long-chain fatty acids, which may or may not be suitable for dilution and injection with saline, depending on the formulation. Medium- and long-chain fatty acids are compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and serve as a high-calorie, high-fat nutritional preparation commonly used in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction or those unable to ingest food normally.
In general, fat emulsions refer to medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Whether medium- and long-chain fatty acids can be diluted with saline for injection depends on the specific clinical situation—it may not be allowed in some cases, while permitted in others. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Not allowed
Medium- and long-chain fatty acids are compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are also high-calorie, high-fat nutritional preparations commonly used in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction or those unable to ingest food normally. These fatty acids are typically administered via intravenous infusion, while saline is commonly used as a base fluid for intravenous hydration. Some types of medium- and long-chain fatty acid formulations may not be suitable for mixing with saline due to incompatibility of components or potential chemical reactions. In such cases, it is not permissible to mix medium- and long-chain fatty acids with saline for injection.
2. Allowed
In certain emergency situations—such as severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance—a patient may require saline infusion. In these circumstances, if energy and fat supplementation are also needed, medium- and long-chain fatty acids may be mixed with saline for co-administration. However, when combining these two solutions, it is essential to ensure compatibility of components and avoid any physical or chemical instability. This assessment must be performed by a qualified physician or pharmacist, following the drug’s package insert and relevant clinical guidelines.
If a patient develops any adverse symptoms, prompt medical attention at a hospital is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
