Effects of PVC bags sterilization process on the 5-fluorouracil stability.

The stability and compatibility of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in undiluted or diluted admixtures stored in beta-radiation sterilized portable poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) infusion bags were investigated. Admixtures containing 5-FU 50 mg ml(-1) not diluted or 25 mg ml(-1) diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection were placed in 100 or 250 ml empty PVC reservoirs sterilized initially by beta-irradiation.