Stedim 6 and Clearflex, two new multilayer materials for infusion containers. Comparative study of their compatibility with five drugs versus glass flasks and polyvinyl chloride bags.

Stedim 6 and Clearflex, two new polyethylene-lined materials for infusion bags, were studied for their compatibility with disodium clodronate, chlorpromazine and maprotiline hydrochlorides, diazepam, and clorazepate dipotassium salt, comparatively with borosilicate glass flasks and polyvinyl chloride bags. Diazepam, the only drug to exhibit a marked sorption in PVC bags (the loss reached 25% of the initial concentration after a contact duration of 72 h), showed lower sorption in Stedim 6 bags (loss about 11% under the same conditions) and none in Clearflex bags. No significant difference was observed between the infusion solutions used as vehicles of the drugs (5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride isotonic solutions). The results are discussed in terms of lipophilicity of the drugs and crystallinity of the polymers.