In vitro stability of ranitidine hydrochloride in enteral nutrient formulas.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the chemical stability and physical compatibility of ranitidine in enteral nutrient formulas.

MEASUREMENTS

A stability-indicating HPLC assay was used to measure the recovery of ranitidine from tablet (dissolved in water) or syrup after up to 24 hours of in vitro incubation in a variety of enteral nutrient formulas. Ranitidine binding to components of the formulas was measured after ultrafiltration.

RESULTS

Eight enteral nutrient formulas were studied, and more than 90% of added ranitidine was recovered from each formula after 24 hours. The amount of ranitidine bound to components of the formulas varied between 8% and 29%. No gross physical incompatibilities were seen and the pH of each formula changed by less than 0.1 pH units over 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Ranitidine from either tablet or syrup was stable in the enteral nutrient formulas studied. Administration of ranitidine by admixture into these enteral formulas may be feasible.