The compatibility of nicardipine hydrochloride injection with various ICU medications during simulated Y-site injection

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1989 May;27(5):250-4.

Abstract

Physical incompatibility studies between an intravenous calcium channel antagonist, nicardipine hydrochloride, and potentially coadministerable ICU medications have been performed. Forty-one medications and four solutions were evaluated. The medications were anesthetic/narcotics, antibiotics, an anticoagulant, a bronchodilator, electrolyte solutions, fluids, H2 receptor blocking agents, steroids and vasoactive agents. Of the forty-five substances, three showed evidence of physical incompatibility as manifested by turbidity, precipitation, or color change. All three were antibiotics. These were ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam sodium, and cefoperazone. We conclude that until bioavailability studies are performed these three antibiotics should not be coadministered with nicardipine HCl.

MeSH terms

  • Ampicillin / analysis
  • Cefoperazone / analysis
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Drug Incompatibility
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Nicardipine / administration & dosage
  • Nicardipine / analysis*
  • Sulbactam / analysis

Substances

  • Ampicillin
  • Cefoperazone
  • Nicardipine
  • Sulbactam