Stability of zidovudine in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection

The stability of zidovudine at a concentration of 4 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection in polyvinyl chloride infusion bags stored at room and refrigerated temperatures for up to eight days was studied. Zidovudine was diluted in 5% dextrose injection and in 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a concentration of 4 mg/mL. Six admixtures were prepared with each diluent; three were stored at room temperature (25 +/- 1 degree C) and three were refrigerated (4 +/- 1 degree C). At 0, 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 192 hours, 2-mL aliquots were removed. One milliliter of each aliquot was diluted to a zidovudine concentration of approximately 40 micrograms/mL and assayed in duplicate by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method. Visual inspection was performed at each sampling time for precipitation, turbidity, color change, and gas formation. Sample pH was recorded at 0 and 192 hours. In all admixtures, more than 97% of the initial zidovudine concentration remained throughout the study period. No visual or pH changes were observed. Zidovudine 4 mg/mL in admixtures with 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection stored in polyvinyl chloride infusion bags was stable for up to 192 hours (eight days) at room temperature and under refrigeration.