Cefoxitin sodium compatibility with intravenous infusions and additives

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Science
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Drug Stability

Background:

• Cefoxitin sodium is a widely used antibiotic.
• Understanding its compatibility and stability in intravenous solutions is crucial for safe administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the compatibility and stability of cefoxitin sodium in various intravenous infusion fluids and with common injectable additives.
• To determine the shelf-life and optimal storage conditions for cefoxitin sodium solutions.

Main Methods:

• Stability assessment using ultraviolet spectrophotometry, iodometry, chromatography (thin-layer, high-pressure liquid, ion-exchange), and microbiological assay.
• Compatibility testing with common intravenous fluids and injectable additives.

Main Results:

• Cefoxitin sodium maintained over 90% concentration in aqueous solution for 40 hours at 25°C and 30 days at 5°C.
• Stability was independent of concentration (1-400 mg/ml), container type, and pH within studied ranges.
• Demonstrated chemical and visual compatibility with aminoglycoside antibiotics (amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, tobramycin) and lidocaine hydrochloride.

Conclusions:

• Cefoxitin sodium exhibits broad compatibility with commonly used infusion solutions and injectable additives.
• Its stability is robust across various concentrations, pH levels, and storage conditions, supporting its clinical utility.