A standard aminophylline intravenous solution with flow rate label adapted to a manufacturer's standard solution

The development of a standard aminophylline intravenous solution system utilizing a flow rate label is described. The original system was developed using 500 mg aminophylline in 250 ml of 5% dextrose injection in a polyvinyl chloride bag (PVC). An ancillary label was developed to be affixed to the bag to assist in maintaining flow rates. Later, this system was adapted to a premixed solution prepared by Travenol Laboratories. The difference, though, was the fact that a solution of 400 mg theophylline (equivalent to 500 mg of aminophylline) in 250 ml of 5% dextrose solution (PVC) was used. Hence, a new auxiliary label indicating flow rates between aminophylline and theophylline was developed. The success of both systems gave us more advantages than disadvantages. This was especially true with the premixed system. We feel that the auxiliary flow rate label helped maintain rates whether the physicians orders were written in theophylline or aminophylline. With proper nursing inservice, this standard aminophylline program could be successful using this auxiliary flow rate label.