Stability of zidovudine in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection

The stability of zidovudine at a concentration of 4 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection in polyvinyl chloride infusion bags stored at room and refrigerated temperatures for up to eight days was studied. Zidovudine was diluted in 5% dextrose injection and in 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a concentration of 4 mg/mL. Six admixtures were prepared with each diluent; three were stored at room temperature (25 +/- 1 degree C) and three were refrigerated (4 +/- 1 degree C). At 0, 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 192 hours, 2-mL aliquots were removed. One milliliter of each aliquot was diluted to a zidovudine concentration of approximately 40 micrograms/mL and assayed in duplicate by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method. Visual inspection was performed at each sampling time for precipitation, turbidity, color change, and gas formation. Sample pH was recorded at 0 and 192 hours. In all admixtures, more than 97% of the initial zidovudine concentration remained throughout the study period. No visual or pH changes were observed. Zidovudine 4 mg/mL in admixtures with 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection stored in polyvinyl chloride infusion bags was stable for up to 192 hours (eight days) at room temperature and under refrigeration.     

Stability of ganciclovir sodium (DHPG sodium) in 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride injections

The stability of 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl]) guanine sodium (ganciclovir sodium, also known as DHPG sodium) in two infusion solutions was studied. Lyophilized ganciclovir sodium 500 mg was reconstituted with sterile water 10 mL to give a theoretical concentration of 50 mg/mL. After reconstitution, 6-mL aliquots of the solution were added to 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection in polyvinyl chloride i.v. bags. One sample was withdrawn from each of 10 bags of each solution and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thirty bags of each solution were then stored under each of the following conditions: at room temperature under laboratory light, at room temperature in the dark, and under refrigeration for up to five days. Single potency assays were performed by HPLC on each of three bags of solution at three and five days after initial dilution of the solutions. The solutions were visually inspected, and the pH of the solutions was measured. All solutions of ganciclovir were stable for at least five days under all storage conditions; mean ganciclovir concentrations did not drop below 98% of initial theoretical values throughout the storage period. No important changes in the pH of the solutions occurred during the study period. Under the conditions of this study, ganciclovir sodium is stable for up to five days when prepared in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection.     

Stability and compatibility of ganciclovir sodium in 5% dextrose injection over 35 days.

The stability and compatibility of ganciclovir sodium in 5% dextrose injection over 35 days were assessed. Nine admixtures of ganciclovir sodium 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection were aseptically prepared. Immediately thereafter, six samples were aseptically withdrawn from each admixture into sterile collection tubes. Three of the samples were frozen for stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay at a later date, and the other three were immediately assessed for pH. Each admixture was also assessed visually for color change, turbidity, gas evolution, and precipitation. The admixtures were stored in the dark at 4-8 degrees C and sampled at 10 and 35 days. There was no significant loss of ganciclovir over the 35-day study period. No admixture at any time contained less than 93.4% or more than 103.7% of its initial ganciclovir concentration. There were no appreciable pH changes, and there was no evidence of visual incompatibility. Ganciclovir sodium 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection was stable for at least 35 days when stored in the dark at 4-8 degrees C.     

Compatibility of ondansetron hydrochloride and methylprednisolone sodium succinate in multilayer polyolefin containers.

PURPOSE: The compatibility of ondansetron hydrochloride and methylprednisolone sodium succinate in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection was studied. METHODS: Test solutions of ondansetron hydrochloride 0.16 mg/mL and methylprednisolone sodium succinate 2.4 mg/mL were prepared in triplicate and tested in duplicate. Total volumes of 4 and 2 mL of ondansetron hydrochloride solution and methylprednisolone sodium succinate solution, respectively, were added to 50-mL multilayer polyolefin bags containing 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Bags were stored for 24 hours at 20-25 degrees C and for 48 hours at 4-8 degrees C. Chemical compatibility was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography, and physical compatibility was determined visually. RESULTS: Ondansetron hydrochloride was stable for up to 24 hours at 20-25 degrees C and up to 48 hours at 4-8 degrees C. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate was stable for up to 48 hours at 4-8 degrees C. When stored at 20-25 degrees C, methylprednisolone sodium succinate was stable for up to 7 hours in 5% dextrose injection and up to 24 hours in 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Compatibility data for solutions containing ondansetron hydrochloride plus methylprednisolone sodium succinate revealed that each drug was stable for up to 24 hours at 20-25 degrees C and up to 48 hours at 4-8 degrees C. CONCLUSION: Ondansetron 0.16 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride) and methylprednisolone 2.4 mg/mL (as the sodium succinate) mixed in 50-mL multilayer polyolefin bags were stable in both 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection for up to 24 hours at 20-25 degrees C and up to 48 hours at 4-8 degrees C.     

Stability of methadone hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride injection in single-dose plastic containers

The stability of methadone hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride injection in flexible polyvinyl chloride containers was studied. Commercially available methadone hydrochloride 20 mg/mL and 25-mL single-dose bags of 0.9% sodium chloride injection were used. Six samples each were prepared at methadone hydrochloride concentrations of 1, 2, and 5 mg/mL. The solutions were stored at room temperature and were not protected from light. Immediately after preparation and after two, three, and four weeks of storage, each of the 18 samples was divided into three aliquots, each of which was analyzed in duplicate for methadone hydrochloride concentration by gas chromatography. There was less than 10% change in methadone hydrochloride concentration in any sample throughout the four-week study period. Methadone hydrochloride at concentrations of 1, 2, and 5 mg/mL prepared in commercially available flexible polyvinyl chloride containers of 0.9% sodium chloride injection and stored at room temperature without deliberate protection from light is stable for at least four weeks.     

Stability of vancomycin hydrochloride in 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride injections

The stability of vancomycin hydrochloride mixed with 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride injections was studied. Vancomycin hydrochloride powder was mixed with each of the two diluents in final concentrations of 5 mg/mL. Duplicate samples of each admixture were divided into four parts and stored at 24 degrees C in glass and in plastic i.v. bags for 17 days and at 5 degrees C and -10 degrees C in glass for 63 days. To additional samples, hydrochloric acid or phosphate buffer was added; these were stored at 24 degrees C for 17 days. At various storage times, clarity and pH of the samples were recorded and vancomycin concentrations were measured in triplicate by high-performance liquid chromatography. Except for the buffered samples, all solutions remained clear and pH was unchanged. Vancomycin concentrations decreased less than 6% during 17 days at room temperature. In the refrigerated and frozen samples, vancomycin concentrations decreased less than 1% throughout the study. Vancomycin hydrochloride is stable in admixtures with 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection for 17 days at 24 degrees C and for 63 days at 5 degrees C and -10 degrees C.     

Stability of an ofloxacin injection in various infusion fluids.

The stability of ofloxacin was evaluated in 10 different infusion fluids under various storage conditions. Solutions of ofloxacin (0.4 mg/mL and 4.0 mg/mL) were prepared in (1) 0.9% sodium chloride injection; (2) 5% dextrose injection; (3) 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride injection; (4) 5% dextrose and lactated Ringer's injection; (5) 5% sodium bicarbonate injection; (6) Plasma-Lyte 56 and 5% dextrose injection; (7) 5% dextrose, 0.45% sodium chloride, and 0.15% potassium chloride injection; (8) 1/6 M sodium lactate injection; (9) water for injection; and (10) 20% mannitol injection. Each solution was injected into polyvinyl chloride bags and stored at (1) 24 degrees C for 3 days, (2) 5 degrees C for 7 days, (3) 5 degrees C for 14 days, (4) -20 degrees C for 13 weeks and then 5 degrees C for 14 days, or (5) -20 degrees C for 26 weeks and then 5 degrees C, for 14 days. Samples were assayed initially and after storage by high-performance liquid chromatography and examined for visual clarity, pH, turbidity, and particulates. Ofloxacin was stable in all solutions and under all storage conditions. All of the solutions were clear, pH was stable, and particulate-matter counts were acceptable under all storage conditions (except for the 20% mannitol solution, which formed crystals at 5 degrees C and -20 degrees C). An injectable formulation of ofloxacin was stable for at least 3 days at 24 degrees C, 14 days at 5 degrees C, and 26 weeks at -20 degrees C in all tested infusion fluids. Crystals formed in refrigerated or frozen solutions prepared with 20% mannitol injection.     

Stability of dobutamine hydrochloride and verapamil hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% dextrose injections

The stability of dobutamine hydrochloride (250 micrograms/ml) and verapamil hydrochloride (160 micrograms/ml) alone and in combination in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection was studied. Solutions were stored both in plastic i.v. bags and in amber-colored glass bottles at 24 degrees C and 5 degrees C for up to seven days. Before storage and at various times during storage, solutions were assayed at least in triplicate by high-performance liquid chromatography, pH was recorded, and visual appearance was noted. All solutions tested under all conditions retained at least 90% potency for seven days. In plastic i.v. bags, dobutamine either alone or in combination with verapamil in both diluents turned a light-pink color in 24 hours at 24 degrees C. The intensity of the pink color increased with time in 0.9% sodium chloride injection; in 5% dextrose injection, solutions, became clear in 48 hours. The pH of solutions prepared in plastic i.v. bags in 5% dextrose injection decreased from 4.0 to 3.1 during the seven-day period at 24 degrees C; results for solutions in amber bottles were similar. At 5 degrees C, the pH and clarity of all solutions in bags and bottles remained stable for seven days. At the concentrations tested, dobutamine hydrochloride combined with verapamil hydrochloride is stable in 0.9% sodium chloride injection and 5% dextrose injection for 48 hours at 24 degrees C and for seven days at 5 degrees C.     

Compatibility of cefoperazone sodium and furosemide in 5% dextrose injection

The compatibility of cefoperazone sodium and furosemide in 5% dextrose injection stored at two temperatures was studied. Cefoperazone sodium and furosemide were added to 5% dextrose injection to achieve a cefoperazone concentration of 10 mg/mL and a furosemide concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. The admixture was stored in 100-mL vented i.v. containers in the dark under refrigeration (4 degrees C) and at room temperature (25 degrees C); three containers were stored at each temperature. A 1-mL sample was taken from each i.v. container immediately after preparation and after 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days to be inspected visually, checked for pH value, and analyzed by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method. No color change or precipitation was observed in any sample at any time during the study. More than 95% of the initial concentrations of both drugs remained for five days at 4 degrees C but for only two days at 25 degrees C. Cefoperazone sodium was somewhat more stable than furosemide under the same storage conditions for 25 days; however, less than a 2% difference between the drugs was noted. Under the conditions of this study, cefoperazone sodium 10 mg/mL and furosemide 0.2 mg/mL in admixtures in 5% dextrose injection are stable for only two days at 25 degrees C and five days at 4 degrees C.     

Physical and chemical stability of gemcitabine hydrochloride solutions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical and chemical stability of gemcitabine hydrochloride (Gemzar-Eli Lilly and Company) solutions in a variety of solution concentrations, packaging, and storage conditions. DESIGN: Controlled experimental trial. SETTING: Laboratory. INTERVENTIONS: Test conditions included (1) reconstituted gemcitabine at a concentration of 38 mg/mL as the hydrochloride salt in 0.9% sodium chloride or sterile water for injection in the original 200 mg and 1 gram vials; (2) reconstituted gemcitabine 38 mg/mL as the hydrochloride salt in 0.9% sodium chloride injection packaged in plastic syringes; (3) diluted gemcitabine at concentrations of 0.1 and 10 mg/mL as the hydrochloride salt in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) minibags of 0.9% sodium chloride injection and 5% dextrose injection; and (4) gemcitabine 0.1, 10, and 38 mg/mL as the hydrochloride salt in 5% dextrose in water and 0.9% sodium chloride injection as simulated ambulatory infusions at 32 degrees C. Test samples of gemcitabine hydrochloride were prepared in the concentrations, solutions, and packaging required. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical and chemical stability based on drug concentrations initially and after 1, 3, and 7 days of storage at 32 degrees C and after 1, 7, 14, 21, and 35 days of storage at 4 degrees C and 23 degrees C. RESULTS: The reconstituted solutions at a gemcitabine concentration of 38 mg/mL as the hydrochloride salt in the original vials occasionally exhibited large crystal formation when stored at 4 degrees C for 14 days or more. These crystals did not redissolve upon warming to room temperature. All other samples were physically stable throughout the study. Little or no change in particulate burden or the presence of haze were found. Gemcitabine as the hydrochloride salt in the solutions tested was found to be chemically stable at all concentrations and temperatures tested that did not exhibit crystallization. Little or no loss of gemcitabine occurred in any of the samples throughout the entire study period. However, refrigerated vials that developed crystals also exhibited losses of 20% to 35% in gemcitabine content. Exposure to or protection from light did not alter the stability of gemcitabine as the hydrochloride salt in the solutions tested. CONCLUSION: Reconstituted gemcitabine as the hydrochloride salt in the original vials is chemically stable at room temperature for 35 days but may develop crystals when stored at 4 degrees C. The crystals do not redissolve upon warming. Gemcitabine prepared as intravenous admixtures of 0.1 and 10 mg/mL as the hydrochloride salt in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection in PVC bags and as a solution of 38 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection packaged in plastic syringes is physically and chemically stable for at least 35 days at 4 degrees C and 23 degrees C. Gemcitabine as the hydrochloride salt is stable for at least 7 days at concentrations of 0.1, 10, and 38 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection stored at 32 degrees C during simulated ambulatory infusion.     

Droperidol stability in intravenous admixtures

The stability and compatibility of droperidol in small-volume i.v. admixtures was assessed. Droperidol was diluted to a nominal concentration of 1 mg/50 ml in 5% dextrose injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and lactated Ringer's injection in type I glass bottles and polyvinyl chloride bags. Triplicate samples of each admixture were stored under continuous illumination at 27 +/- 2 degrees C. Specimens from each sample were tested by spectrophotometric assay at intervals during storage periods of up to 272 hours for admixtures containing 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection and up to 168 hours for admixtures containing lactated Ringer's injection. Between 48 and 168 hours of storage, a 7% increase was observed in droperidol concentration in 0.9% sodium chloride admixtures in polyvinyl chloride bags. A 24% decrease in droperidol concentration in lactated Ringer's admixtures in polyvinyl chloride bags between 24 and 168 hours was attributed to sorption of droperidol by the plastic container. In all admixtures except those containing lactated Ringer's injection in polyvinyl chloride bags, droperidol concentrations throughout the storage period were within 10% of initial concentrations. Droperidol is stable in the admixtures studied for 7 to 10 days in glass bottles. In polyvinyl chloride bags, concentrations in admixtures containing 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection are stable for seven days, but concentrations decrease significantly in lactated Ringer's admixtures.     

Stability of milrinone lactate in the presence of 29 critical care drugs and 4 i.v. solutions.

The stability of milrinone lactate in the presence of 29 critical care drugs during simulated Y-site injection and in 4 i.v. solutions was studied. Ten milliliters of milrinone 400 microg/mL (as the lactate salt) was combined with 10 mL of each of 29 commonly used critical care drugs in 5% dextrose injection. Also, mixtures containing milrinone 400 microg/ mL in lactated Ringer's injection, 5% dextrose injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection were prepared. All mixtures were prepared in triplicate and stored at 22-23 degrees C in glass containers or polyvinyl chloride bags under fluorescent light. Samples were withdrawn zero, one, two, and four hours after mixing for each milrinone-secondary drug mixture and at intervals up to seven days for each milrinone-i.v. diluent mixture. Samples were examined visually and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, enzymatic assay, or fluorescence polarization immunoassay. No precipitation or substantial pH change was observed in any of the mixtures. In all the mixtures, milrinone retained more than 96% of its initial concentration, and the other drugs retained more than 97% of their initial concentrations. Milrinone 400 microg/mL in 5% dextrose injection and 29 critical care drugs were stable for four hours at 22-23 degrees C during simulated Y-site administration. Milrinone 400 microg/mL was stable in lactated Ringer's injection, 5% dextrose injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection for seven days at 22-23 degrees C.     

Stability of intravenous admixtures of doxorubicin and vincristine

The stability of doxorubicin and vincristine in admixtures containing both drugs in 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 0.45% sodium chloride and Ringer's acetate injection, and 0.45% sodium chloride and 2.5% dextrose injection was studied. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was added to 30-mL quantities of each base solution to achieve initial doxorubicin concentrations of 1.40 mg/mL and to 0.9% sodium chloride injection to achieve concentrations of 1.88 and 2.37 mg/mL. Vincristine sulfate was added to each doxorubicin admixture to achieve vincristine concentrations of 0.033 and 0.053 mg/mL. All admixtures were protected from light and stored in polysiloxan bags that are used with portable delivery devices. Admixtures were kept at temperatures of 25, 30, and 37 degrees C. Samples withdrawn immediately after preparation and at 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for content of each drug. The stability of doxorubicin was dependent on temperature and composition of the base solution. Analysis of data from the samples containing 0.45% sodium chloride and Ringer's acetate injection showed that doxorubicin concentrations were less than 90% of the initial concentration by 12 hours at 37 degrees C, 35 hours at 30 degrees C, and 62 hours at 25 degrees C, and visual changes occurred in all of these admixtures over the course of the study. Vincristine degradation also was most rapid in 0.45% sodium chloride and Ringer's acetate admixtures. Data analysis showed that concentrations of vincristine were less than 90% of initial after eight days at 25 degrees C, five days at 30 degrees C, and three days at 37 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Compatibility of clindamycin phosphate with cefotaxime sodium or netilmicin sulfate in small-volume admixtures

The stability and compatibility of clindamycin phosphate plus either cefotaxime sodium or netilmicin sulfate in small-volume intravenous admixtures were studied. Admixtures containing each drug alone and two-drug admixtures of clindamycin phosphate plus cefotaxime sodium or netilmicin sulfate were prepared in 100 mL of 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection in both glass bottles and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags. Final concentrations of clindamycin, cefotaxime, and netilmicin were 9, 20, and 3 mg/mL, respectively. All solutions were prepared in duplicate and stored at room temperature (24 +/- 2 degrees C). Samples were visually inspected, tested for pH, and assayed for antibiotic concentration using stability-indicating assays at 0, 1, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours for admixtures in glass bottles and at 0, 8, and 24 hours for admixtures in PVC bags. No substantial changes in color, clarity, pH, or drug concentration were observed in any of the solutions. Clindamycin phosphate is compatible with cefotaxime sodium or netilmicin sulfate in 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride injections in glass bottles or PVC bags for 24 hours.     

Stability of pibenzimol hydrochloride in commonly used infusion solutions and after filtration

The stability of pibenzimol hydrochloride was evaluated after reconstitution, after addition to several intravenous fluids, and after filtration. Vials containing pibenzimol hydrochloride 50 mg were reconstituted with 2.5 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection to 20 mg/mL. For determination of drug stability in intravenous fluids, vial contents were further diluted to 0.15 mg/mL by injection into glass containers and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags containing 250 mL of 5% dextrose injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, or lactated Ringer's injection. Pibenzimol concentrations were determined immediately after preparation and at various intervals after storage at 4-6 degrees C or 25 degrees C by means of a stability-indicating, high-performance liquid chromatographic technique. Vial contents were inspected visually for color changes, and pH was measured. Determinations were also made of the stability of pibenzimol 0.15 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection after simulated infusions using a 0.22-micron filter set at 25 degrees C. All study solutions and admixtures retained more than 90% of the initial pibenzimol concentration. The greatest loss of drug (6-7%) occurred after 24 hours in lactated Ringer's injection in both glass and PVC containers and in 0.9% sodium chloride injection in PVC bags. No drug loss occurred as a result of filtration. Reconstituted pibenzimol hydrochloride and admixtures of pibenzimol in 5% dextrose injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, or lactated Ringer's injection in glass or PVC containers are stable for at least 24 hours at 25 degrees C. Filtration has no effect on stability.     

Stability and sorption of FK 506 in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection in glass, polyvinyl chloride, and polyolefin containers.

The effects of the diluent, the storage container, light, and infusion through various types of tubing on the stability and sorption of FK 506 were studied. Solutions of FK 506 in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection were stored at room temperature (24 +/- 2 degrees C) in glass i.v. bottles, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) minibags, and polyolefin containers. FK 506 solution in 0.9% sodium chloride injection was stored in plastic syringes at room temperature and either exposed to normal room light or stored in the dark. FK 506 solution in 5% dextrose injection was placed in plastic syringes and infused through PVC anesthesia extension tubing, PVC i.v. administration set tubing, and fat emulsion tubing over a two-hour period. The infused samples and samples collected from the containers and syringes at intervals up to 48 hours were analyzed for FK 506 concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography. FK 506 concentrations remained greater than 90% of initial concentration for admixtures in 5% dextrose injection stored in glass bottles for 48 hours and for admixtures in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection stored in polyolefin containers for 48 hours. No change in concentration was measured for admixtures in 0.9% sodium chloride injection stored in plastic syringes, and exposure to light did not affect the stability of FK 506 solution. No substantial change in concentration occurred in FK 506 solution in 5% dextrose injection infused through PVC anesthesia extension tubing, PVC i.v. administration set tubing, or fat emulsion tubing. FK 506 admixtures prepared with 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection should be stored in polyolefin containers. If polyolefin containers are not available, solutions should be prepared with 5% dextrose injection and stored in glass bottles.     

Interaction of aztreonam with nafcillin in intravenous admixtures

An interaction between aztreonam and nafcillin sodium in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection stored in glass or plastic containers is reported. During preliminary experiments, admixtures of aztreonam 10 or 20 mg/mL and nafcillin sodium 10 or 20 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection prepared in glass flasks became cloudy and showed evidence of a fine precipitate. Drug concentrations were measured with a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay. Admixtures of aztreonam 20 mg/mL and nafcillin sodium 20 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection were prepared in polyvinyl chloride bags and stored at room temperature (23-25 degrees C) for 48 hours. The admixtures were assayed at 0, 24, and 48 hours with the same HPLC procedure used during the pretesting experiments. The precipitates were isolated, washed, and centrifuged; the supernatant was analyzed by HPLC assay, and the final residue was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The initial recoveries of drug from the pretesting experiments ranged from 99.2 to 102.4%. Analysis of the precipitates indicated that the precipitate was neither a salt nor a complex formed by the physical interaction of aztreonam and nafcillin sodium, but probably a high-molecular-weight polymer formed by the covalent bonding of subunits of the formulation components. Substantial losses of both drugs from the admixtures were evident after 48 hours of storage. The precipitate was observed sooner in the admixtures containing 0.9% sodium chloride injection than in the admixtures prepared in 5% dextrose injection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Stability of ranitidine admixtures frozen and refrigerated in minibags

The stability of ranitidine hydrochloride stored frozen and refrigerated in polyvinyl chloride minibags was studied. Ranitidine hydrochloride was added to either 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection to yield concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/mL. In phase 1 of the study, admixtures containing ranitidine hydrochloride 1 mg/mL were stored at 4 degrees C for 10 days. In phase 2, solutions were frozen for 30 days at -30 degrees C and were later refrigerated for 14 days. Ranitidine concentration was tested using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay at time zero and at intervals during storage. Sterility tests were performed on some samples, and various admixtures were visually inspected and tested for pH. At least 90% of the initial concentration of ranitidine remained in all solutions at all storage conditions. No visual changes or changes in pH or sterility were observed. Ranitidine hydrochloride in concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection may be stored in polyvinyl chloride minibags frozen for 30 days followed by refrigeration for an additional 14 days.     

Stability of ondansetron hydrochloride in injectable solutions at -20, 5, and 25 degrees C.

The stability of ondansetron hydrochloride in 5% dextrose injection and in 0.9% sodium chloride injection when stored frozen, refrigerated, and at room temperature was studied. Solutions of ondansetron 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride salt) were prepared by adding 1.5 or 15 mg of the drug to 50-mL minibags containing 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection. All solutions were prepared in triplicate, and each container was tested in duplicate. Testing at the time of preparation and at each subsequent test interval included visual inspection of color and clarity, determination of pH, and a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay to measure the ondansetron concentration. Conditions assessed included storage at -20 degrees C for two weeks to three months, 5 degrees C for 7-14 days, approximately 25 degrees C for up to 48 hours, and various combinations of these conditions. The concentration of ondansetron in each solution remained above 90% of the original concentration at each observation time under all storage conditions. No changes in color or clarity were observed, and there were only minor changes in pH. Ondansetron 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection was stable when stored (1) for up to three months at -20 degrees C, followed by up to 14 days at 5 degrees C and by 48 hours at 25 degrees C and (2) for up to 14 days at 5 degrees C, followed by up to 48 hours at 25 degrees C.     

Chemical and visual stability of amphotericin B in 5% dextrose injection stored at 4 degrees C for 35 days.

The chemical and visual stability of amphotericin B in 5% dextrose injection under refrigeration was assessed. Three admixtures of amphotericin B 0.1 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection and three admixtures of amphotericin B 0.25 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection were aseptically prepared in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags. Immediately after preparation (at time zero), six 5-mL samples were aseptically transferred from each admixture to sterile collection tubes. Three of the samples from each admixture were quick-frozen for later assay by stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the other three were immediately assessed for pH. Each of the six admixtures was also assessed visually under fluorescent light and 2x magnification for color change, turbidity, gas evolution, and precipitation. The admixtures were stored in PVC bags at 4 degrees C and protected from light. Six 5-mL samples were withdrawn from each admixture at 10, 21, and 35 days. Three of the samples from each admixture were assessed for pH, and three were quick-frozen for subsequent HPLC assay. There was no substantial loss or deterioration of amphotericin B during the 35-day study. At no time was the mean concentration of amphotericin B in the samples less than 96.4% of the concentrations at time zero for the 0.1-mg/mL samples or less than 96.6% of the time zero concentrations for the 0.25-mg/mL samples. There were no appreciable changes in pH, and there was no visual evidence of instability in any of the samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)