Stability of cytarabine in a parenteral nutrient solution

Abstract

Stability of cytarabine in a commonly used parenteral nutrient solution was studied. From each of two liters of parenteral nutrient solution for pediatric patients, two 200-mL aliquots containing cytarabine 50 micrograms/mL were prepared. One aliquot from each liter was stored at each of two temperatures (25 and 8 degrees C). At 0, 1, 2, 8, 24, 48, and 96 hours, 1 mL from each sample was mixed with internal standard and the cytarabine concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples were also tested for pH and visually inspected for particulate matter and color change. No particulate matter or color change was noted, and no pH changes occurred during 48 hours of testing. Cytarabine concentrations during 96 hours of testing were 90-104.4% of initial concentration. Cytarabine at a concentration of 50 micrograms/mL was stable for at least 48 hours in the parenteral nutrient solution studied.