In vitro stability of sodium nitroprusside solutions for intravenous administration

A sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatographic assay for nitroprusside using an ion‐exchange column and UV detection was developed to evaluate the stability of aqueous solutions of sodium nitroprusside in light‐protected glass and plastic containers and during simulated infusions. The results showed that sodium nitroprusside is stable in 5% dextrose, normal saline, and lactated Ringer's solutions in light‐protected glass or plastic containers. In addition, there was no decrease in the delivered potency of sodium nitroprusside solutions during simulated infusions lasting up to 24 h.