The effect of ionizing radiation on advanced life support medications

Ann Emerg Med. 1987 Jun;16(6):662-5. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(87)80066-5.

Abstract

Advanced life support medications stored in emergency department stretcher areas, diagnostic radiology rooms, and radiotherapy suites are exposed to ionizing radiation. We hypothesized that radiation may decrease the potency and thus the shelf life of medications stored in these areas. Atropine, dopamine, epinephrine, and isoproterenol were exposed to a wide range of ionizing radiation. The potency of the four drugs was unaffected by levels of radiation found in ED stretcher areas and high-volume diagnostic radiograph rooms (eg, chest radiograph, computed tomography, fluoroscopy). The potency of atropine may be reduced by gamma radiation in high-use radiotherapy suites. However, dopamine, epinephrine, and isoproterenol were unaffected by high doses of gamma radiation. Atropine, dopamine, epinephrine, and isoproterenol may be safely kept in ED stretcher areas and diagnostic radiology rooms without loss of potency over the shelf life of the drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Atropine / radiation effects
  • Autonomic Agents / radiation effects*
  • Dopamine / radiation effects
  • Drug Stability
  • Epinephrine / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Isoproterenol / radiation effects
  • Life Support Care
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation, Ionizing*

Substances

  • Autonomic Agents
  • Atropine
  • Isoproterenol
  • Dopamine
  • Epinephrine