Premium
Compatibility and stability of fentanyl admixtures in polypropylene syringes
Author(s) -
Peterson G. M.,
Miller K. A.,
Galloway J. G.,
Dunne P. F.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2710.1998.00141.x
Subject(s) - fentanyl , midazolam , metoclopramide , polypropylene , chromatography , chemistry , diluent , anesthesia , high performance liquid chromatography , dosage form , medicine , nuclear chemistry , sedation , organic chemistry , vomiting
Objective:To determine the physicochemical stability of fentanyl in combination with midazolam and either hyoscine butylbromide or metoclo‐ pramide, and stored in 30 ml polypropylene syringes. Methods: Solutions containing approximately 40 μg/ml of fentanyl in combination with midazolam (approximately 600 μg/ml) and either metoclopramide (approximately 700 μg/l) or hyoscine (approximately 850 μg/ml) were prepared from commercial ampoules of the drugs. The solutions were stored, in triplicate, in the dark at 32 °C (to simulate usage conditions) for 10 days, and the concentration of each constituent drug was periodically determined using a stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography assay. Results: The combinations were relatively stable, with all drugs maintaining over 90% of their initial chemical potency for at least 1 week. There were no evident changes in either the physical appearance or pH values of the solutions over the course of the study. Conclusions: On the basis of physicochemical stability, polypropylene syringes containing fentanyl with midazolam and either hyoscine butylbromide or metoclopramide can be safely prepared and stored at or below 32 °C for periods of up to 1 week prior to use by palliative care patients receiving the drugs via a portable subcutaneous infusion device.