Stability and compatibility studies of cefaloridine, cefuroxime and ceftazidime with PVC infusion bags

A rapid isocratic technique was developed for the analysis of three cephalosporins: cefaloridine, cefuroxime and ceftazidime in parenteral solutions using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection and C18 column. The availability and compatibility of drugs from solutions infused via plastic infusion bags through plastic administration sets have been examined. No significant drugs loss was observed during the simulated infusions (n = 4) for 1 h using PVC infusion bags and administration sets. No significant difference was found between infusion solutions (5% glucose or 0.9% NaCl). The stability of drugs was also studied in solution in PVC bags after storage at room temperature and at +4 degrees C without protection from light. The results show the stability of drugs during 24 h at room temperature and 7 d storage at +4 degrees C to be satisfactory, irrespective of the infusion solution (5% glucose or 0.9% NaCl).