Copper Intravenous FOR DILUTION as Infusion for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

Important information

• MUST be diluted in AT LEAST 100ml (pH prior to dilution is 2.0 i.e. very acidic & irritant)
• IV monograph to accompany each dispensing from pharmacy until further notice (P Kidd, Jul 2023)
• Unlicensed preparation
• Must be Consultant authorised

Available preparations

Copper Chloride (Cupric copper) 4mg per 10mL vial

Reconstitution

Already in solution

MUST dilute further prior to administration

Infusion fluids

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Methods of intravenous administration

Intermittent intravenous infusion (administer using an electronically controlled infusion device)

• Add required dose to  a MINIMUM of 100mL infusion fluid and administer over 2 to 4 hours ^{(ref 1)}

Dose in adults

Usual dose (deficiency)

• Give 2 to 4mg daily for six days or until normalisation of copper serum levels and resolution of signs/symptoms

Monitoring

• Monitor copper levels closely

Further information

• Limited information available for dosage and administration of copper injection alone - as it is usually part of Parenteral Nutrition bags

Storage

Store at room temperature

References

1: What is the evidence supporting the use of intravenous copper for copper deficiency?  Drug Information Group, University of Illinois Chicago November 2022