Stability of non-aqueous topical tetracaine and clotrimazole solutions in polypropylene droptainer bottles.

Tetracaine topical solution may improve patient adherence with topical clotrimazole therapy for fungal otitis externa. The chemical stability of tetracaine 1% and combination clotrimazole 1% with tetracaine 1% topical solutions was determined using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400 were used as anhydrous solvents. Standard curves for tetracaine and clotrimazole were linear with r2 > or = 0.999. Clotrimazole did not degrade in either propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol 400 throughout the 90-day study period. Tetracaine degraded significantly in propylene glycol but not in polyethylene glycol 400. A beyond-use date of 90 days is supported for tetracaine and the combination clotrimazole-tetracaine solution in polyethylene glycol 400. A beyond-use date of 60 days is supported for tetracaine and the combination clotrimazole-tetracaine in propylene glycol.