Drug distribution and stability in extemporaneous preparations of meloxicam and carprofen after dilution and suspension at two storage temperatures.
OBJECTIVE
To determine dispersion uniformity and stability of meloxicam and carprofen in extemporaneous preparations stored for 28 days.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Meloxicam and carprofen (commercial formulations) were compounded (day 0) with deionized water (DW), 1% methylcellulose gel (MCG), MCG and simple syrup (SS; 1:1 mixture), or a suspending and flavoring vehicle combination (SFVC; 1:1 mixture) to nominal drug concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/mL and 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 mg/mL, respectively.


METHODS
Preparations were stored at approximately 4 degrees C (39.2 degrees F) or 22 degrees C (71.6 degrees F). For each preparation, drug concentrations were determined and drug stability was evaluated at intervals during storage; on days 0 and 28, pH values were measured and bacterial cultures were initiated.


RESULTS
In meloxicam-DW, meloxicam-MCG (0.25 mg/mL), and meloxicam-MCG (0.5 mg/mL) preparations, drug distribution was uniform (coefficient of variation < 10%); > 90% of the original drug concentration was maintained for 28 days. Despite uniform drug distribution of the carprofen-SFVC preparations, most retained > or = 90% of the original drug concentration for only 21 days. Use of the MCG-SS combination resulted in foamy preparations of unacceptable variability. After 28 days, pH decreased slightly in meloxicam-DW and meloxicam-MCG preparations (0.17 +/- 0.04 and 0.21 +/- 0.04, respectively). Carprofen-SFVC (2.5 mg/mL) and carprofen-MCG-SS (5.0 mg/mL) preparations stored at 22 degrees C for 28 days yielded bacterial growth.


CONCLUSIONS
DW, MCG, and the SFVC can be used successfully for extemporaneous preparation of meloxicam and carprofen for administration to small exotic animals. Refrigeration is recommended for preparations of meloxicam-DW and carprofen-SFVC.
Hawkins
Michelle G
MG
Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Karriker
Margo J
MJ
Wiebe
Valerie
V
Taylor
Ian T
IT
Kass
Philip H
PH
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000592:standards*; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000592:standards*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage / Q000379:methods*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D000077239:Meloxicam; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013535:Suspensions; D013696:Temperature; D013843:Thiazines / Q000592:standards*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors; D019155:Veterinary Drugs / Q000592:standards*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002227:Carbazoles; D013535:Suspensions; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D019155:Veterinary Drugs; C007005:carprofen; D000077239:Meloxicam