[Stability of pantoprazole in parenteral nutrition units].
BACKGROUND
Pantoprazole is a weak base (pka approximately equal to 4) with its stability in aqueous solution dependent on pH. Keeping in mind that the pH of the parenteral nutrition units (PNU) can range between 6.0 and 6.5 and since pantoprazole seems to be the most stable proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for pH acid, we want to assess the possibility of adding it to PNU with the aim of simplifying its administration to patients.


METHODS
Using high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) to measure pantoprazole content in PNU at different time intervals.


RESULTS
The chromatographic determination of pantoprazole concentration reflected a rapid and progressive aging of the sample. After 24 h the quantity of drug detected in the PNU was below 50% of the total added.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of these results, we therefore do not suggest this as a suitable vehicle for pantoprazole administration as it could put patients at risk of being under-dosed and therefore exposing them to potential unknown side effects of the different drug degradation products.
Valverde Molina
E
E
Servicio de Farmacia. Hospital Carlos Haya. Málaga. España. esteban.valverde.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
González Muñiz
V
V
Gómez-Maldonado
J
J
Muñoz Castillo
I
I
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D004355:Drug Stability; D000077402:Pantoprazole; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000077402:Pantoprazole