Physicochemical Compatibility and Stability of Paracetamol Injection in Common Intravenous Fluids

Abstract

The goal of this study is to assess the physicochemical compatibility and analytical chemical stability of paracetamol injection with four intravenous media: distilled water, sodium chloride 0.9%, dextrose 5%, and Ringer’s lactate for 72 hours. Assessments for each solution were made in terms of physical aspect, pH level, and UV spectra at 243 nm. It is important to note that all of these mixtures have been characterized by a clear appearance without any precipitation or turbidity and have been categorized as physically compatible. The pH values in the media had slightly decreased and thus, the λmax value remained almost unchanged throughout the observation period at the same value of 243 nm. Quantitative analyses indicated that paracetamol was present in a significant concentration of 99.0 ± 2.0% in distilled water and in 0.9% NaCl, while after 72 hours it was present in 98.3 ± 1.9% in 5% dextrose solution and in 98.8 ± 1.8% in Ringer’s lactate. The titration curves demonstrated high linear behavior in the concentration range of 5–80 µg/mL, using the equation A = 0.01975C + 0.005743 and with R² = 0.999969. These results can be interpreted as indicating a high degree of stability of paracetamol in the mentioned media.