LONG-TERM STABILITY OF VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE IN INTRAVENOUS INFUSIONS

Background and objective: Vancomycin is often used in antibiotic infus ions for hospitalized patients and it is advantageous to prepare such intravenous solutions in advance. The objective of this study was to i nvestigate the long-term stability of this antibiotic stored at 4 degr ees C in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags. Method: Five bags each of 0.5 or 1 g vancomycin hydrochloride per 100 mi of 5% dextrose were studied for 2 months by high-performance liquid chromatography, visual inspec tion and pH measurement. Results: No colour change or precipitation wa s observed. The pH values of the preparations increased significantly over the period of study without influencing the antibiotic concentrat ion. Based on a shelf-life of 90% residual potency, the vancomycin sol utions were stable for at least 58 days at 4 degrees C. Conclusion: Fr om a chemical stability viewpoint, the antibiotic may be prepared in a dvance by a centralized intravenous admixture service for use within t he limits described.