Inulin (Intravenous)

Inulin is used as a test to help diagnose kidney problems or diseases. This test shows how well your kidneys are functioning.

Inulin leaves the body completely through urine. Measuring the amount of inulin in the blood after it has been given can help the doctor see if the kidneys are working correctly.

How the test is done:

Inulin is given through an intravenous infusion (run into a vein). The dose of inulin will vary for each patient. The doctor will decide your dose based on your weight and size. During the test, blood and sometimes urine samples are taken several times. A tube called a catheter may be placed in your bladder to help collect urine samples. The amount of inulin in your blood or urine is measured. Then the test results are analyzed.

Inulin should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, you and your doctor must consider the risks of the test against the benefits it may provide. Other factors can also affect the test results. For this test, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

This medicine has been used in children. In effective doses, inulin has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of inulin in older people with other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people compared to younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Heart disease or
• Liver disease or
• Underactive adrenal gland or
• Underactive thyroid—These conditions may impact the inulin test results by decreasing the amount of inulin that is cleared from the blood.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do occur, they may require medical attention.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.