Stability of lidocaine hydrochloride in 5% dextrose injection in plastic bags.

The stability of lidocaine injection mixed with 5% dextrose injection and refrigerated or stored at room temperature was studied. Lidocaine injection was added to 5% dextrose injection to provide a lidocaine hydrochloride concentration of 4 mg/ml. Samples were assayed for lidocaine and its degradation product, 2,6-dimethylaniline, after 30, 60, and 120 days of storage at room temperature (30 degrees C) and refrigerated temperature (4 degrees C). The analysis was by a stability-indicating HPLC method. Degradation product 2,6-dimethylaniline was not detected at any assay time at either temperature. No statistically significant loss of lidocaine occurred at either temperature. Lidocaine hydrochloride injection is chemically stable for up to 120 days at either 30 degrees C or 4 degrees C when mixed with 5% dextrose injection in plastic infusion bags.