Compatibility study of 5-fluorouracil with PVC bags after repackaging intotwo types of infusion admixtures

The stability and compatibility of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in admixtures for continuous intravenous infusion using PVC bags and administration sets were studied. 5-fluorouracil was reconstituted and diluted to 1.8 mg/ml for inf usion in polyvinyl chloride and glass containers, and to 1 mg/ml to 16 mg/m l for storage in polyvinyl chloride bags containing 5 per cent dextrose or 0.9 per cent sodium chloride injections. Admixtures were stored at +4 degre es C and with protection from light, for 7 days. Analyses were performed by HPLC. No significant drug loss was observed during simulated infusions usi ng PVC infusion bags and administration sets vs glass bottles and administr ation sets, over an infusion period used in hospitals (24 h). The solution stored at +4 degrees C with protection from light in PVC bags showed that a t 1 mg/ml to 16 mg/ml, 5-fluorouracil was stable at least for 7 days in 0.9 per cent sodium chloride and 5 per cent dextrose.