BACKGROUND AND AIM Clonidine is frequently combined to opioids for the management of chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical stability of this combination at high and low concentrations in polypropylene syringes at 5±3°C and at 22±3°C.
METHODS Five syringes with low concentration of clonidine (0.003 mg/mL) and morphine hydrochloride (0.417 mg/mL) and five syringes with high concentration of clonidine (0.032 mg/mL) and morphine hydrochloride (4.286 mg/mL) were evaluated. The turbidity, the pH and the crystal formation were controlled after the production and until 72h post-production.
RESULTS No changes in color or appearance of opacity or turbidity were observed. Spectrophotometric measurements (at 350, 410 and 550 nm) and pH were not affected. The microscopic analysis did not detect any aggregate or crystal formation.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The mixture of clonidine and morphine hydrochloride at low and high concentrations is physically stable for at least 72 hours post-production at 5±3°C and at 22±3°C. These results paved the way for a subsequent chemical stability study.
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BJHP 2022 (1)
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