Formulation and stability of diazepam suspension compounded from tablets.

The stability of diazepam in an extemporaneous suspension compounded from tablets was studied. A diazepam 1 mg/mL suspension was prepared by levigating diazepam 10-mg tablets with ethanol and propylene glycol and incorporating them into a suspension vehicle containing magnesium aluminum silicate and carboxymethylcellulose sodium with flavoring and sweetening agents. Samples of the suspension were stored in amber glass bottles at 5, 22, and 40 degrees C. At various times during the 60-day study period, samples were inspected visually for signs of caking or color change and evaluated for ease of pouring and redispersion. Also at those times, the concentration of diazepam in each sample was determined by a stability-indicating, high-performance liquid chromatography procedure. The concentration of diazepam in each sample was at least 90% of the initial concentration throughout the 60-day storage period. All samples remained homogeneous and showed no signs of caking or settling. A diazepam suspension compounded from tablets was found to be pharmaceutically acceptable and easily pourable and redispersible. The suspension is stable for at least 60 days at room or refrigerated temperature.