Effect of the freezing conditions and microwave thawing power on the stability of cefuroxime in dextrose 5% infusion polyolefin bags at 4 degrees C.

Background: Intravenous cefuroxime sodium solution could be prepared in advance by a centralized hospital pharmacy service to improve safety and time management.

Objective: To investigate the effect of freezing and microwave thawing on the solution stability of cefuroxime.

Methods: Cefuroxime 1.5 g in 100 mL of dextrose 5% in polyolefin bags was frozen individually (group A) or in one package (group B) for 98 days at -20 degrees C. The solutions were then thawed using microwaves at 270 (light cycle) or 800 watts (hard cycle) and stored at 4 degrees C. The cefuroxime concentration was measured by HPLC. Visual inspection was performed and pH was measured at that time. Stability of the solution was defined as a concentration remaining superior to 90% of the initial concentration by regression analysis.

Results: No color change or precipitation in the solutions was observed. In group A, stability was at least 23 and 21 days after light and hard cycle thawing, respectively. In group B, stability was at least 21 and 18 days, respectively, with the pH increasing without affecting chromatographic parameters.

Conclusions: The optimal conditions for advance preparation of a solution containing cefuroxime 1.5% in dextrose 5% may be freezing of individual containers followed by a light cycle of microwave thawing.