Stability Test of Ampicillin Sodium Solutions in the Accufuser® Elastomeric Infusion Device Using HPLC: UV Method

The stabilities of two kinds of solutions (30 mg/mL) of Ampicillin sodium in 0.9% NaCl in water (NS, normal saline) and in sterile water (SW) in the intravenous elastomeric infusion device (Accufuser®) were evaluated based on recommended solutions and storage periods. The injectable NS- and SW-Ampicillin solutions in the Accufuser® device were stored and evaluated at controlled temperature (room temperature, 25℃ ± 2℃ and cold temperature, 4℃ ± 2℃) during 7 days. Effects of the periods of storage (from 0 to 7 days) and the temperatures of storage (RT and CT) on the physico-chemical appearances and concentrations of active compounds were determined. The visual clarity, pH, and concentrations of Ampicillin were determined by stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ultraviolet (UV) detection. The results showed that the amount of Ampicillin in studied solutions gradually decreased with time. The Ampicillin in NS, which was stored in CT, was relatively stable, retaining 94% of its original amount up to 7 days. The solution that showed least stability was Ampicillin in SW, which was stored in RT, retaining 80% of its original amount. Generally, solutions that were stored in CT were more stable than the solutions that were stored in RT. No significant changes in physical appearance or color of the solutions were observed during the study. Particles were not detected in any solution samples. In summary, two kinds of solutions of Ampicillin sodium, in NS and SW, showed different chemical stabilities with time in intravenous infusion device without any significant physical changes and retained about 94% vs 89% and 83% vs 80% of initial concentrations after 7 days in CT and RT, respectively. We suggest that 30 mg/mL of Ampicillin sodium in NS solution in an Accufuser® infusion device which is stored in CT can be applicable for 7 days in clinical situations.