Long-term stability of gentamicin sulfate-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-Na_2) solution for catheter locks

A lock solution composed of gentamicin sulfate(5 mg/mL) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt(EDTA-Na2, 30 mg/mL) could fully eradicate in vivo bacterial biofilms in totally implantable venous access ports(TIVAP). In this study, fabrication, conditioning and sterilization processes of antimicrobial lock solution(ALS) were detailed and completed by a stability study. Stability of ALS was conducted for12 months in vial(25 °C 7 2 °C, 60% 7 5% relative humidity(RH), and at 40 °C 7 2 °C, RH 75% 7 5%)and for 24 h and 72 h in TIVAP(40 °C 7 2 °C, RH 75% 7 5%). A stability indicating HPLC assay with UV detection for simultaneous quantification of gentamicin sulfate and EDTA-Na2 was developed. ALS was assayed by ion-pairing high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) needing gentamicin derivatization, EDTA-Na2 metallocomplexation of samples and gradient mobile phase. HPLC methods to separate four gentamicin components and EDTA-Na2 were validated. Efficiency of sterility procedure and conditioning of ALS was confirmed by bacterial endotoxins and sterility tests. Physicochemical stability of ALS was determined by visual inspection, osmolality, pH, and sub-visible particle counting. Results confirmed that the stability of ALS in vials was maintained for 12 months and 24 h and 72 h in TIVAP.

Formulation, stability testing, and analytical characterization of melatonin-based preparation for clinical trial

A new institutional clinical trial assessed the improvement of sleep disorders in 40 children with autism treated by immediate-release melatonin formulation in different regimens(0.5 mg, 2 mg, and 6 mg daily) for one month. The objectives of present study were to(i) prepare low-dose melatonin hard capsules for pediatric use controlled by two complementary methods and(ii) carry out a stability study in order to determine a use-bydate. Validation of preparation process was claimed as ascertained by mass uniformity of hard capsules.Multicomponent analysis by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared(ATR-FTIR) of melatonin/microcrystalline cellulose mixture allowed to identify and quantify relative content of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Absolute melatonin content analysis by high performance liquid chromatography in 0.5 mg and 6 mg melatonin capsules was 93.6% ± 4.1% and 98.7% ± 6.9% of theoretical value, respectively. Forced degradation study showed a good separation of melatonin and its degradation products. The capability of the method was 15, confirming a risk of false negative < 0.01%. Stability test and dissolution test were compliant over 18 months of storage with European Pharmacopoeia. Preparation of melatonin hard capsules was completed manually and melatonin in hard capsules was stable for 18 months, in spite of low doses of active ingredient. ATR-FTIR offers a real alternative to HPLC for quality control of highdose melatonin hard capsules before the release of clinical batches.

Production and stability study of a hospital parenteral nutrition solution for neonates

Standard parenteral nutrition solutions are mixtures comprising interacting components that may degrade themselves over time. The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and microbiological stability of a hospital preparation for parenteral nutrition in neonatology. The analyses were performed throughout the storage of the preparations at 2–8 °C(up to 4 months). The extent of stability was based on the determination of amino acids dosage, visual and physicochemical properties(glucose and electrolytes concentrations, pH and osmolality measurements, particle counting) and microbiological analysis(sterility test). A thermal degradation of ascorbic acid was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the parenteral mixture. Physicochemical and microbiological controls were found to comply with the specifications. Amino acids showed a good stability throughout the 4 months storage except for cysteine, which was progressively degraded to cystine, conferring a yellow coloration to parenteral solutions. Parenteral nutrition standards solutions remain stable for 4 months at 2–8 °C,ensuring safe administration in preterm infants.