title: Stability of generic meropenem solutions for administration by continuous infusion at normal and elevated temperatures.
abstract: Administration by continuous infusion may represent an effective tool for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative related infections with meropenem. Currently, no data on chemical stability of generic bioequivalent versions of meropenem over time are available. Triplicate samples of 5 mg/mL solutions of a generic meropenem formulation, Hospira, were evaluated for chemical stability at increasing temperatures (25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C) by means of a high-performance liquid chromatography technique over 4 separate days. Degradation of generic meropenem was both time and temperature dependent, and the aqueous solutions were stable for up to 8 hours in the temperature range between 25°C and 35°C, and for up to 5 hours at 40°C. Continuous infusion of generic meropenem Hospira may be applied in clinical settings with ambient temperature below 35°C, provided that the 5 mg/mL aqueous solution is reconstituted at most after 6-8 hours.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Santa Maria della Misericordia; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Franceschi
authors.forename: Piergiorgio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cojutti
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baraldo
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pea
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D004355:Drug Stability; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D000077731:Meropenem; D013845:Thienamycins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013845:Thienamycins; D000077731:Meropenem