In vitro antimicrobial activity of commonly used vasoactive drugs.
OBJECTIVE
Microbial contamination during preparation of the infusion drugs is an important issue in intensive care units. Objective of this study was to investigate in vitro antimicrobial properties of commonly used vasoactive drugs.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Clinical microbiology laboratory of a university hospital.


METHODS
Growth of the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in saline dilutions of adrenaline at 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL; noradrenaline at 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL; and dopamine at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL concentrations was investigated. Each drug solution and saline were analyzed with a digital pH meter.


RESULTS
Saline dilutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine at clinically used concentrations decreased microbial growth. The highest concentration doses of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine used in the study had significant antimicrobial effect when compared to the low and moderate doses. This effect was shown with the all microorganisms. S aureus, S epidermidis, and C albicans were more sensitive; on the other hand, E coli and P aeruginosa were more resistant against the effect of the drug dilutions.


CONCLUSIONS
To limit microbial growth in case of contamination of the drug solution, it is advisable to use more concentrated dilutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine used in clinical practice.
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Giresun University Medical Faculty, Giresun, Turkey. Electronic address: alpaslanapan@gmail.com.
Ozgun
O
Cuvas Apan
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kirikkale University Medical Faculty, Kirikkale, Turkey.
Teoman Zafer
TZ
Apan
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Giresun University Medical Faculty, Giresun, Turkey.
Alparslan
A
Apan
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004340:Drug Contamination; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000187:drug effects*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine
Antimicrobial activities; Catecholamine; Drug contamination; Infusion