Background In order to avoid fluid overload, the use of more concentrated drug solutions in intensive care units is common.

Purpose Quantifying the physicochemical stability of concentrated solution of salbutamol in polypropylene syringe during 30 days at 5°C±3°C with protection from light.

Material and methods Five syringes of 50 ml, containing 0.060 mg/ml of salbutamol in 0.9% NaCl were prepared and stored at 5°C±3°C with protection from light during 30 days. Immediately after preparation and periodically during the storage, salbutamol concentrations were measured by an ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Spectrophotometric absorbance at different wavelengths, pH measurement, and visual and microscopic observations were also performed.

Results All solutions were physicochemically stable during the whole period storage at 5°C±3°C: no colour change, turbidity, precipitation or opacity, no significant pH variations or optic densities were observed in the solutions. Any crystals were seen by microscopic analysis. Solutions are considered chemically stable, as the lower limit of the 95% unilateral confidence interval on the mean remained above 90% of the initial concentration for at least 30 days.

Conclusion Solutions of salbutamol 0.060 mg/ml in syringe of 0.9% NaCl are physically and chemically stable for at least 30 days when stored in syringes at 5°C±3°C with protection from light, and may be prepared in advance by a Centralised IntraVenous Admixture Service (CIVA).

Reference and/or Acknowledgements 1. Closset M, Hecq JD, Soumoy L, Simar J, Gonzalez E, Charlet L, Declave C, Gillet P, Galanti L. Physical stability of highly concentrated injectable drugs solutions used in intensive care units. Ann Pharm Fr201713 Feb;S0003–4509(16):30055–4. doi: 10. 1016/j. pharma. 2016. 12. 004

No conflict of interest