Stability of Carboplatin in normal saline : dependence on initial dilution concentration and storage time

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Opinions for stability of carboplatin in chloride containing solutions is controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the stability of carboplatin in normal saline that was representative chloride containing solutions used for dilution of chemotherapeutic agents. Whether initial dilution concentration and storage time were effect factors on carboplatin decreasing rate were also assessed. Methods Dilutions of carboplatin 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 mg /ml were prepared in normal saline. Aliquots of each solution were transferred to glass containers for storage at room temperature for 24hours. Samples of each solution were analyzed for carboplatin concentration decreasing rate initially and at 10, 12, 24 hours after preparation by high performance liquid chromatography. We compared the decreasing rate of each samples according to initial dilution concentration and storage time. For all these measures, multiple comparisons between samples were made with repeated measured ANOVA. Results Carboplatin was compatible with normal saline. During experimental period carboplatin decreasing rate was under 5% and this value was accepted as stable by Korean regulatory standard. When carboplatin decreasing rate of each samples were compared within same initial dilution concentration, the value increased proportion to storage time (p=0.0001). Compared decreasing rate at same sampling time, the more carboplatin was diluted, the more main ingredients decreased (P=0.0001). Conclusions Carboplatin was compatible with normal saline at room temperature for 24 hours. The more carboplatin was diluted and the longer left in room temperature, the more decreasing rate increased. Initial dilution concentration and storage time were effect factors on carboplatin stability after dilution.