Compatibility of gemcitabine hydrochloride with 107 selected drugs during simulated Y-site injection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical compatibility of gemcitabine hydrochloride (Gemzar-Eli Lilly and Company) with 107 selected drugs. DESIGN: Controlled experimental trial. SETTING: Laboratory. INTERVENTIONS: Samples of 5 mL gemcitabine (as the hydrochloride salt) 10 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection were mixed with 5 mL samples of the selected drugs diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or, if necessary to avoid incompatibilities with the diluent, 5% dextrose injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual examinations of the samples were performed in normal fluorescent light with the unaided eye and using a Tyndall beam (high-intensity monodirectional light) to enhance visualization of small particles and low-level haze. The turbidity of each sample was measured as well. In selected samples, electronic particle content assessment was performed. All of the samples were assessed initially and at 1 and 4 hours. RESULTS: Most of the drugs were physically compatible with gemcitabine hydrochloride during the 4-hour observation period. However, 15 drug combinations had incompatibilities that included color change, increase in haze or turbidity, particulate formation, and gross precipitation: acyclovir sodium, amphotericin B, cefoperazone sodium, cefotaxime sodium, furosemide, ganciclovir sodium, imipenem-cilastatin sodium, irinotecan, methotrexate sodium, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, mezlocillin disodium, mitomycin, piperacillin sodium, piperacillin sodium/tazobactam sodium, and prochlorperazine edisylate. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine hydrochloride 10 mg/mL admixed in a compatible infusion solution is physically compatible for 4 hours at room temperature with 92 of 107 tested drugs. Simultaneous Y-site administration of gemcitabine hydrochloride with the 15 drugs resulting in incompatibilities should be avoided.