title: Stability of fluorouracil in plastic containers used for continuous infusion at home.
abstract: The stability of fluorouracil when prepared and stored in plastic containers used for continuous infusion in home therapy was studied. Fluorouracil was diluted with 5% dextrose injection. Samples were stored for 16 weeks at 5 degrees C and room temperature in polyvinyl chloride drug reservoirs and at 5 degrees C in elastomeric balloons used in a disposable drug pump. Periodically, samples were tested by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. At 5 degrees C, there was no significant degradation. At room temperature, there was a progressive increase in fluorouracil concentration, presumably because of evaporation of water. A 10% change in the fluorouracil concentration over 55 days was predicted. Fluorouracil is stable in 5% dextrose injection for at least 16 weeks when stored at 5 degrees C in the two types of containers studied.
mesh_terms: D001976:Bromouracil / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004349:Drug Packaging; D004355:Drug Stability; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D006699:Home Care Services; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D010969:Plastics; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics; D001976:Bromouracil; D005472:Fluorouracil