Background In Hungary preparation of mixed infusions is regulated by a national guideline which contains the role of the hospital pharmacists in the process. The permission of preparation of mixed infusions is given by the hospital pharmacist.

Purpose Compounding parenteral solutions may cause several problems. Mixed infusions should be prepared according to the application prescription and the national guideline. Incorrect preparation may result in physical, chemical, physical-chemical incompatibilities, therapeutic interactions and the decomposition products may be toxic.

Materials and methods At Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Hospital a mixed infusion list was compiled containing 159 mixed infusions from several wards. Immediate use mixed infusions prepared insitu on clinical departments were reviewed from pharmaceutical aspect. Where the application prescription and literature data do not contain any information about the compounding, the compatibility and stability of mixed infusions were analysed. The inspections were based on organoleptic observations and instrumental analysis. UV spectrophotometric and colorimetric measurements were carried out. UV absorption spectra of starting materials and the mixtures were taken between wavelengths 200 and 400 nm. The samples were divided into two groups; one stored for one week at room temperature, the other for three days at 50°C, then the absorption spectra were taken again.

Results The UV absorbance values changed to some extent in samples stored for a week at room temperature. More significant changes were recorded for samples stored for three days at 50°C. Discolouration and change of pH were also detected for some samples but no precipitation occurred.

Conclusions Based on the results the compounding certain infusions were permitted or prohibited in the hospital. The results were shared with other healthcare institutions which indicated their need for detailed information.