IN-VITRO STABILITY OF RANITIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN ENTERAL NUTRIENT FORMULAS

OBJECTIVE: To determine the chemical stability and physical compatibil ity of ranitidine in enteral nutrient formulas. MEASUREMENTS: A stabil ity-indicating HPLC assay was used to measure the recovery of ranitidi ne from tablet (dissolved in water) or syrup after up to 24 hours of i n vitro incubation in a variety of enteral nutrient formulas. Ranitidi ne binding to components of the formulas was measured after ultrafiltr ation. RESULTS: Eight enteral nutrient formulas were studied, and more than 90% of added ranitidine was recovered from each formula after 24 hours. The amount of ranitidine bound to components of the formulas v aried between 8% and 29%. No gross physical incompatibilities were see n and the pH of each formula changed by less than 0.1 pH units over 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Ranitidine from either tablet or syrup was stable in the enteral nutrient formulas studied. Administration of ranitidin e by admixture into these enteral formulas may be feasible.