Binding of drugs to end-line filters: a study of four commonly administered drugs in intensive care units.

The binding of diazepam, digoxin, dopamine and fentanyl to different 0.2 microns end-line filters was investigated under simulated infusion conditions. All the drugs were diluted in either 5% dextrose or 0.9% NaCl infusion fluid. For digoxin and diazepam a marked reduction in the amount of drug delivered to the patient in the first 20-60 min of infusion is observed. For dopamine, the drug loss was less pronounced and no fentanyl was absorbed to the filters during the infusion experiment.