Effects of temperature, solution composition, and type of container on the stability and absorption of carmustine

The stability and absorption of carmustine were studied comparatively in glass flasks and Stedim 6 bags. Stedim 6 is a new, multilayer, polyethylene-lined film. When stored at room temperature (22 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C) in the dark, carmustine decomposed in 5% dextrose solution and more so in 0.9% sodium chloride solution. When stored at 4 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees C, the losses were identical in the glass flasks and Stedim 6 bags (about 11% after 72 hours). As long as they are kept in the dark at 4 degrees C, carmustine admixtures can be prepared up to 48 hours before administration, in either dextrose or sodium chloride isotonic solutions, and stored in either glass flasks or Stedim 6 bags.