Leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate from polyvinyl chloride bags into intravenous etoposide solution.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the release of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags from four different manufacturers into intravenous etoposide solutions.


METHODS
Etoposide solutions, 0.4 mg/mL, containing the vehicle polysorbate 80 were prepared in 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride injection PVC bags and stored at room temperature for 24 h. DEHP content was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography.


RESULTS
Substantial amounts of DEHP (up to 20 microg/mL at room temperature) leached into the etoposide solutions. However, no significant differences were found in the amounts of DEHP leached into the etoposide infusion solutions prepared using either 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride injection and stored in the four different containers.


CONCLUSIONS
To minimize patient exposure o DEHP, etoposide solutions should ideally be stored in a glass or polyolefin container.
Demoré
B
B
Pharmacie Brabois Adultes - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Allée du Morvan, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France. bdemore@club-internet.fr
Vigneron
J
J
Perrin
A
A
Hoffman
M A
MA
Hoffman
M
M
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000737:chemistry*; D004340:Drug Contamination; D004356:Drug Storage; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D005047:Etoposide; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate