Neonatal Intensive Care Drug Manual

• 
  Severe reactions are uncommon especially in neonates. In older patients are most likely to occur during the first infusion, but may occur subsequently.
  
• 
  Anaphylactic reactions are rare: urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm and hypotension. Anaphylactic reactions may require oxygen, adrenaline (epinephrine) and steroids depending on severity of the reaction.
  
• 
  More common reactions are: flushing, fever, headache, pallor, shivering and tachycardia.
  
• 
  Other reported reactions: dyspnoea, chest tightness, tachycardia or hypotension without anaphylaxis, transient haemolytic anaemia, abdominal pain and renal failure.
  
• 
  Milder reactions often resolve after the infusion has been stopped. If so, after discussion with medical staff, the infusion may be recommenced at a slower rate after at least 15 minutes.
  
• 
  Subsequent infusions should be commenced and escalated at a slower rate.
  

Administer through a separate line.