Propofol compatibility with other intravenous drug products: two new methods of evaluating IV emulsion compatibility.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the physical compatibility of propofol injection with 77 other drug products using two methods not previously reported.


METHODS
Each of 77 drug products were mixed with (1) an equal volume of propofol injection, (2) an equal volume of propofol injection with methylene blue added, and (3) an equal volume of the separated aqueous phase of propofol injection. The mixtures were observed for physical changes, and the turbidity of the aqueous phase mixtures was measured by nephelometry.


METHODS
A university-affiliated urban teaching hospital.


METHODS
Observed physical changes or changes in turbidity.


RESULTS
Of the 77 drugs tested, 69 showed immediate evidence of physical change, and the other 8 were found incompatible within 72 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Practitioners should not mix the immediately incompatible products with propofol by administering them in the same intravenous line. Caution should be used in simultaneous administration of the other drugs. The new methods were useful in detecting incompatibilities in emulsions.
Michaels
M R
MR
Department of Pharmacy, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus 43210, USA.
Stauffer
G L
GL
Haas
D P
DP
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004344:Drug Incompatibility; D004655:Emulsions; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008722:Methods; D008751:Methylene Blue; D015742:Propofol
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004655:Emulsions; D008751:Methylene Blue; D015742:Propofol