Long-term Physicochemical Stability of Concentrated Solutions of Noradrenaline Bitartrate in Polypropylene Syringes for Administration in the Intensive Care Unit

Intensive care units use drug solutions within higher concentrations to avoid fluid overload. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical stability of concentrated solutions of noradrenaline bitartrate in polypropylene syringes during 30 days of storage at 5°C ± 3°C. Five 50-mL syringes containing 0.240 mg/mL of noradrenaline bitartrate in 0.9% sodium chloride were prepared and stored at 5°C ± 3°C during 30 days. Immediately after preparation and periodically during the storage, noradrenaline concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Spectrophotometric absorbance at different wavelengths, pH measurement, and microscopic observations were also performed. The results showed that all solutions were physicochemically stable during the entire storage period at 5°C ± 3°C, and no color change, turbidity, precipitation, opacity, significant pH variations, nor optic densities were observed. Microscopic analysis was used to determine if there was any formation of crystals. The concentration of noradrenaline was not found to decrease during the 30 days of storage. Solutions of noradrenaline bitartrate 0.240 mg/mL in syringes of 0.9% sodium chloride were physically and chemically stable for at least 30 days when stored in syringes at 5°C ± 3°C and may be prepared in advanced by a centralized intravenous additive service.