Stability of morphine sulfate in infusion devices and containers for intravenous administration

The stability of morphine sulfate in one brand of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) container, one brand of glass syringe, and two brands of disposable infusion devices was determined. Solutions of morphine sulfate 2 and 15 mg/mL were used to fill the PVC containers and drug administration devices. Stability was determined for both concentrations of morphine sulfate at room temperature (23-25 degrees C) and 4 degrees C in the PVC containers, glass syringes, and disposable infusion devices; stability was also determined at 31 degrees C in the disposable infusion devices. At 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, and 15 days, portions of the solutions were removed and assayed in triplicate by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method. At each time point the drug-infusion fluid combinations were inspected visually for color changes and the presence of particulate matter, and pH was measured. Morphine sulfate 2 and 15 mg/mL remained stable for at least 12 days in all the containers and devices at each temperature tested. No substantial changes in the pH or physical appearance of the solutions were observed. Morphine sulfate can be repackaged in the disposable glass syringe, PVC container, and both disposable infusion devices for routine clinical use.