The stability of four catecholamines in 5% glucose infusions

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Intravenous drug stability is critical for patient safety and effective treatment.
• Catecholamines like adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and dobutamine are commonly administered via infusion.
• Understanding their stability in common infusion solutions is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the stability of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and dobutamine in 5% glucose infusion minibags.
• To provide data on the shelf-life of these critical drugs in a specific storage condition.

Main Methods:

• Solutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and dobutamine were prepared in 5% glucose minibags.
• Samples were stored at a controlled temperature of 5 degrees C.
• Stability was assessed by measuring drug concentrations over time, with t/95% values calculated.

Main Results:

• Noradrenaline (at 16 and 40 mg/l) and dobutamine (at 1 and 5 g/l) demonstrated significant stability, with t/95% values exceeding 30 days.
• Adrenaline exhibited a t/95% value of approximately 20 days.
• Dopamine showed the shortest stability, with a t/95% value of approximately 14 days.

Conclusions:

• Noradrenaline and dobutamine are stable for extended periods in 5% glucose minibags under refrigeration.
• Adrenaline and dopamine have limited stability in this formulation and require careful administration timing.
• These findings are crucial for optimizing the preparation and administration of these vasoactive drugs in clinical settings.