Compatibility of parenteral nutrient solutions with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration

The compatibility of 102 drugs with parenteral nutrient (PN) solutions during simulated Y-site administration was studied. Five milliliters of each of four representative PN solutions was combined in duplicate in a 1:1 ratio with 5-mL samples of solutions of 102 drugs in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Visual examinations were performed in fluorescent laboratory light and under high-intensity monodirectional light, and turbidity was measured. Particle sizing and counting were performed for selected solutions. All evaluations were performed at intervals up to four hours; storage was at 23 degrees C. Most of the drugs tested were compatible with the PN solutions. However, 20 drugs exhibited various incompatibilities with one or more of the PN solutions. During simulated Y-site administration, four PN solutions were compatible with 82 of 102 drugs for four hours at 23 degrees C. Twenty drugs were incompatible with one or more of the PN solutions.