Stability of ceftazidime (with arginine) and of cefuroxime sodium in infusion-pump reservoirs.

The stability of ceftazidime (with arginine) and cefuroxime sodium was studied after storage in infusion-pump reservoirs at freezing and refrigerated temperatures and subsequent simulated administration over 24 hours at near-body temperature. Polyvinyl chloride reservoirs and glass vials were filled with ceftazidime (with arginine) or cefuroxime sodium at various concentrations, diluted in sterile water. Three reservoirs each of ceftazidime 30 and 60 mg/mL and of cefuroxime 22.5, 30, 45, and 60 mg/mL were stored for various times and at various temperatures. Three glass vials each of ceftazidime or cefuroxime 30 and 60 mg/mL were stored for 30 days at -20 degrees C, followed by 4 days at 3 degrees C and 24 hours at 30 degrees C. Samples obtained periodically during storage and during simulated administration were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Both drugs maintained at least 90% of their initial concentration under all of the test conditions except simulated administration at 30 degrees C, during which degradation accelerated. In portable infusion-pump reservoirs, ceftazidime 30 and 60 mg/mL and cefuroxime 30 and 60 mg/mL were stable for 30 days at -20 degrees C followed by 4 days at 3 degrees C; ceftazidime 30 and 60 mg/mL was stable for 10 days at 3 degrees C; and cefuroxime 22.5 and 45 mg/mL was stable for 7 days at 3 degrees C. However, the drugs may need to be administered over less than 24 hours when the pump reservoir is worn on the patient's body.