Stability of Extemporaneously Prepared Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 25-mg/mL Suspensions in Plastic Bottles and Syringes

Abstract

This study evaluated the stability of the antimalarial and anti-rheumatic drug hydroxychloroquine sulfate in two commercially available suspension vehicles, Oral Mix and Oral Mix SF (Medisca Pharmaceutique Inc.). Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (25 mg/mL) suspension was prepared, packaged in amber 50-mL polyethylene terephthalate bottles and amber 3-mL syringes, and stored at room temperature or at 4°C. Samples were collected and analyzed over a 16-week period by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection at 340 nm. Approximately 99.8% of the hydroxychloroquine remained at the conclusion of the study, with no observable difference between room temperature and refrigerated storage. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is stable for at least 90 days in Medisca Oral Mix or Oral Mix SF suspension media at 25°C and 4°C.