Filling Gaps on Stability Data: Development, Validation and Application of a Multianalyte UHPLC-DAD Method to Determine the Stability of Commonly Administered Drugs in Different Carrier Solutions Used in Palliative Care

Abstract

In palliative care, continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) is common practice for drug administration when oral application of drugs is not feasible or not reliable anymore. However, use of CSCI is limited to chemical stability of drugs and their combination in carrier solution. To determine the stability of different mixtures of commonly used drugs in palliative care, a multi-analyte UHPLC-DAD method controlled by an internal standard was successfully developed. The method was validated in terms of specificity, accuracy, precision, and linearity across the calibration range. Seven analytes could be separated within 10 min by C18-reversed phase chromatography. The method was successfully applied to close gaps in stability data and complete missing data for decision makers in health care units. Our results indicated the stability of binary mixtures and one ternary mixture in 0.9% saline and 5% glucose as carrier solutions. The obtained data will support pharmacists in palliative care for the preparation of parenteral drug solutions in the future.