Seventy-two-hour stability of Taxol in 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride in Viaflo, Freeflex, Ecoflac and Macoflex N non-PVC bags.
OBJECTIVE
Taxol (paclitaxel), is an antimicrotubule agent widely prescribed for the treatment of many tumoral diseases. Taxol must be used in non-polyvinyl chloride bags, diluted to concentrations of 0.3-1.2 mg/mL in 5% dextrose or in 0.9% sodium chloride. Under these conditions, Taxol is chemically and physically stable for 27 h at 25 degrees C. The aim of the study was to evaluate the 72-h stability of Taxol under common clinical use conditions.


METHODS
Taxol was diluted with 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride to final concentrations of 0.3 and 1.2 mg/mL in four polyolefin bags (Viaflo, Freeflex, Ecoflac and Macoflex N). Taxol-stability, was assessed by turbidimetry and by high-performance liquid chromatography using solutions stored in the dark, over 72 h at +4 degrees C.


RESULTS
No haze, turbidity, or precipitate was observed. Paclitaxel concentration remained above 95% of the initial value whatever the solvent or container used.


CONCLUSIONS
Paclitaxel at 0.3 and 1.2 mg/mL in 5% dextrose and in 0.9% sodium chloride is stable in Viaflo, Freeflex, Ecoflac and Macoflex N non-PVC bags for 72 h in the dark at +4 degrees C. The longer stability should make the use of Taxol in clinical practice easier.
Pourroy
B
B
CNRS FRE- 2737, UFR Pharmacy, University of La Méditerranée, Marseille cedex, France.
Botta
C
C
Solas
C
C
Lacarelle
B
B
Braguer
D
D
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D004349:Drug Packaging; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D005947:Glucose; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D005947:Glucose; D017239:Paclitaxel