Methods of preserving injectable pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclodextrin and a hydrophobic drug

The invention relates to injectable pharmaceutical compositions, methods of use and formulation, wherein the compositions comprise: one or more water soluble complexes, each complex comprising a cyclodextrin or a cyclodextrin derivative and a hydrophobic drug; at least one preservative; and at least one co-solvent. The compositions are effectively preserved in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia 2011 Test for Efficacy of Antimicrobial Preservation, satisfying at least the B criteria as it applies to parenterals, and the United States Pharmacopeia 2011 Guidelines for Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing, satisfying the criteria for Category 1 (injectable products).