Long-term Physicochemical Stability of Concentrated Solutions of Salbutamol (Albuterol) in Polypropylene Syringes for Use in the Intensive Care Unit and in Obstetrics

In order to avoid fluid overload, the use of more concentrated drug solutions in intensive care units and obstetrics is common. The objective of this study was to quantify the physicochemical stability of a concentrated solution of salbutamol (albuterol) in polypropylene syringes during 30 days of storage at 5°C ± 3°C with protection from light. Four 50-mL syringes containing 0.060 mg/mL of salbutamol (albuterol) in 0.9% NaCl were prepared and stored at 5°C ± 3°C with protection from light during 30 days of storage. Immediately after preparation and periodically during the storage, salbutamol (albuterol) concentrations were measured by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Spectrophotometric absorbance at different wavelengths, pH measurement, and microscopic observations were also performed. All solutions were physicochemically stable during the entire period storage at 5°C ± 3°C: no color change, turbidity, precipitation or opacity, significant pH variations, or optic densities were observed in the solutions. No crystals were seen by microscopic analysis. Concentrations of salbutamol remained stable during the storage period. Solutions of salbutamol (albuterol) 0.060 mg/mL in syringes 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 centralized intravenous additive service.