The influence of carbohydrates and polyhydric alcohols on the stability of ceftazidime in aqueous solution.

The kinetics of degradation of ceftazidime in aqueous solutions containing various carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) or polyhydric alcohols (sorbitol and mannitol) was investigated over the pH range 9.92-10.93 at 35 degrees C. A relationship between the degradation rate and the hydroxy compound concentration was observed at each pH studied, and the rate-accelerating effect of the compounds was directly proportional to the hydroxide ion activity.