Extended Stability of Epinephrine Hydrochloride Injection in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags Stored in Amber Ultraviolet Light-Blocking Bags.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of epinephrine hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride in polyvinyl chloride bags for up to 60 days. Dilutions of epinephrine hydrochloride to concentrations of 16 and 64 µg/mL were performed under aseptic conditions.

Stability of dronabinol capsules when stored frozen, refrigerated, or at room temperature.

Purpose: Results of a study to determine the 90-day stability of dronabinol capsules stored under various temperature conditions are reported.

Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection was used to assess the stability of dronabinol capsules (synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] mixed with high-grade sesame oil and other inactive ingredients and encapsulated as soft gelatin capsules) that were frozen, refrigerated, or kept at room temperature for three months. The dronabinol capsules remained in the original foil-sealed blister packs until preparation for HPLC-UV assessment.

Stability of Ribavirin for Inhalation Packaged in Syringes or Glass Vials when Stored Frozen, Refrigerated, and at Room Temperature.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate ribavirin solution for inhalation stability under three different conditions (frozen, refrigerated, room temperature) over a 45-day period. A ribavirin 6000-mg vial was reconstituted with 90 mL of Sterile Water for Injection per the package insert to yield a concentration of approximately 67 mg/mL. The solution was then placed in either syringes or empty glass vials and stored in the freezer (-20°C), in the refrigerator (~0°C to 4°C), or at room temperature (~20°C to 25°C).

Electronic inventory systems and barcode technology: impact on pharmacy technical accuracy and error liability.

Purpose: To measure the effects associated with sequential implementation of electronic medication storage and inventory systems and product verification devices on pharmacy technical accuracy and rates of potential medication dispensing errors in an academic medical center.

Methods: During four 28-day periods of observation, pharmacists recorded all technical errors identified at the final visual check of pharmaceuticals prior to dispensing. Technical filling errors involving deviations from order-specific selection of product, dosage form, strength, or quantity were documented when dispensing medications using (a) a conventional unit dose (UD) drug distribution system, (b) an electronic storage and inventory system utilizing automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) within the pharmacy, (c) ADCs combined with barcode (BC) verification, and (d) ADCs and BC verification utilized with changes in product labeling and individualized personnel training in systems application.

Evaluation of phenylephrine stability in polyvinyl chloride bags.

Purpose: Phenylephrine hydrochloride (HCl) is commonly used to maintain adequate blood pressure during shock and shocklike states. Phenylephrine is prepared in concentrated stock vials that require further dilution prior to administration. This study evaluated the physical and chemical stability of phenylephrine in extemporaneously prepared polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags.

Stability of phenylephrine hydrochloride injection in polypropylene syringes.

Purpose: The stability of extemporaneously prepared phenylephrine hydrochloride injection stored in polypropylene syringes was studied.

Methods: Dilution of phenylephrine hydrochloride to a nominal concentration of 100 mug/mL was performed under aseptic conditions by adding 100 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride (total of 10 mL from two 5-mL 10-mg/mL vials) to 1000 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection.

Stability of acetylcysteine solution repackaged in oral syringes and associated cost savings.

Purpose: The physical and chemical stability of repackaged acetylcysteine 600 mg/3 mL solution in oral syringes stored under refrigeration or at room temperature was studied for six months; a cost analysis was also conducted.

Methods: Acetylcysteine 20% solution for inhalation was repackaged undiluted as 600 mg/3 mL in capped oral syringes and stored either under refrigeration or at room temperature exposed to fluorescent light. Four samples for each storage condition were analyzed in duplicate on day zero, weekly for the first month, and then every two weeks during months 2-6.