Compatibility of imipenem-cilastatin sodium with commonly used intravenous solutions

The stability of imipenem-cilastatin sodium (Primaxin, Merck Sharp & Dohme) in various intravenous fluids was determined after storage at 4 degrees C or 25 degrees C and after freezing. Samples of imipenem-cilastatin sodium were constituted with 100 mL of each of 17 i.v. fluids to concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL or 5.0 mg/mL of each drug component and stored in glass infusion bottles at constant room temperature (25 degrees C) or constant refrigerated temperature (4 degrees C). The concentration of each solution was determined immediately after constitution by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay; the concentrations of both drugs were monitored in each i.v. fluid until the time that the concentration of either imipenem or cilastatin decreased to less than 90% of the initial concentration (t90). The exact value of t90 was determined for each solution by linear regression. The solutions were also assessed for changes in pH or color. Cilastatin sodium was more stable in all 17 i.v. fluids than imipenem. The stability of imipenem was dependent on the concentration of that drug in solution; solutions of imipenem 2.5 mg/mL were more stable than solutions of imipenem 5.0 mg/mL. The values of t90 for imipenem in solutions stored at 4 degrees C were greater than the values for solutions stored at 25 degrees C. Imipenem was most stable in 0.9% sodium chloride injection. The pH values of the solutions generally decreased during the study period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)