Kinetics and stability of a multicomponent organophosphate antidote formulation in glass and plastic.

An aqueous solution of trimedoxime bromide, atropine, and benactyzine hydrochloride was formulated to have maximum stability as an antidote in organophosphorus poisoning. The stability of the mixture in glass and plastic cartridges was determined. Glass cartridges were more desirable than plastic; there was less vapor loss, color formation, and anomalous reaction. Trimedoxime was stable, losing 1.4% of its potency after 1 year at 25 degrees and atropine was more stable than trimedoxime. Considerable degradation of benactyzine occurred; 20% of its potency was lost after 1 year at 25 degrees. Equations for predicting the shelf life of each ingredient at selected temperatures are presented.