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PVC bags considerably reduce availability of diazepam
K Mahomed1, T Nyamurera, A Tarumbwa
1Department of Obstetrics, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Harare, Zimbabwe. kmahomed@healthnet.zw
The Central African Journal of Medicine
|February 24, 1999
Summary
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) bags significantly reduce diazepam availability over time compared to glass containers. Clinicians should use non-PVC bags and shorter infusion sets to ensure medication effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Diazepam is a widely used medication administered intravenously.
- The material of intravenous bags and infusion solutions can potentially affect drug stability and availability.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a common material used in medical devices, including IV bags.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) bags and common infusion solutions on the availability of diazepam.
- To quantify the loss of diazepam concentration over time when stored in different containers.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive laboratory study was conducted.
- Diazepam was prepared in both normal saline and Ringer's lactate solutions.
- Solutions were stored in both PVC bags and glass containers.
- Diazepam concentration was measured at multiple time points: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 8 hours post-preparation.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in diazepam concentration was observed between normal saline and Ringer's lactate.
- Diazepam concentration decreased to approximately 80% in glass containers and 50% in PVC containers after 4 hours.
- A further reduction in diazepam concentration was noted in PVC containers after 8 hours.
Conclusions:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) containers lead to a substantial loss of diazepam availability.
- Clinicians should be aware of this interaction to prevent underdosing.
- Recommendations include using non-PVC bags and minimizing the length of infusion sets to preserve diazepam concentration.