Stability of methylprednisolone sodium succinate in autodose infusion system bags.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the physical and chemical stabilities of methylprednisolone sodium succinate solutions packaged in sterile AutoDose Infusion System bags.

SETTING

Laboratory.

INTERVENTIONS

The test samples were prepared by reconstituting the methylprednisolone sodium succinate, adding the required amount of drug to the AutoDose Infusion System bags, and diluting to the target concentrations of 100 mg/100 mL and 1 gram/100 mL with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Physical stability and chemical stability based on drug concentrations initially and at appropriate intervals over periods up to 3 days at 23 degrees C and 30 days at 4 degrees C.

RESULTS

The admixtures initially were clear when viewed in normal fluorescent room light and with a Tyndall beam. Measured turbidity and particulate content were low initially and exhibited little change. All samples were essentially colorless throughout the study. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed some decomposition in the samples. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate exhibited about 8% loss after 2 days and about 13% loss after 3 days at 23 degrees C. In the samples stored at 4 degrees C, methylprednisolone sodium succinate exhibited acceptable stability through 21 days of storage, but losses exceeded 10% after 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Methylprednisolone sodium succinate exhibited physical and chemical stabilities consistent with those found in previous studies. The AutoDose Infusion System bags did not adversely affect the physical or chemical stability of this drug.