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Precipitations
NOT all incompatibilities are dangerous, some are
just normal.
Color Change
Imipenem-cilastatin or dobutamine may show some
color change but NOT a sign of incompatibility.
Hazy Appearance
When ceftazidime is reconstituted, carbon dioxide gas is
released and can cause a hazy appearance.
Precipitation
The precipitate that forms when paclitaxel is
refrigerated dissolves again at room temperature.
Contributing Factors
Light
Amphotericin B, cisplatin, and metronidazole must be
protected from light.
Temperature
Cefazolin is stable at room temperature for 24 hours but
under refrigeration for 14 days
Dilution
Up to 10 mEq of Calcium can be added to each liter of TPN
containing 20 mEq of PO4.
Concentration dependant
Bactrim 5 ml/75 ml D5W stable for 2 hours, whereas 5 ml/125
ml D5W is stable for 6 hours
Buffer capacity, pH, and Time
Amino acid composition and concentration in TPN
Types of Incompatibilities
1. Therapeutic Incompatibility
2. Physical Incompatibility
3. Chemical Incompatibility
4. Drug IV Container Incompatibilities
Therapeutic Incompatibility
The result of pharmacological effects of several drugs
in one patient (a.k.a. drug interactions).
Mechanisms
1. Pharmacokinetic: absorption, distribution, metabolism,
excretion (e.g. Ciprofloxacin and Maalox).
2. Pharmacodynamic: antagonism/ synergism (e.g. Coumadin
and Vitamin K)
Example Intervention
Heparin and antibiotics Best to avoid mixing heparin with IV
antibiotics since heparin can affect
the stability of certain antibiotics
(e.g. aminoglycosides)
Physical Incompatibility
The incompatibility that is more on solubility changes
and container interactions
Type Ways to Prevent
Insolubility -Do not administer a
Sorption Phenomena precipitate forming drug
-Avoid mixing drugs prepared
Gas Formation in special diluents with other
Solution pH drugs
- In administration of multiple
IV medications, prepare each
drug in a separate syringe
Physical Incompatibility
Physical precipitation of Midazolam as a result of
unfavorable pH.
Chemical Incompatibility
Results from the molecular changes or rearrangement
and leads to chemical decomposition
Type Definition
Adsorption The property of a solid/liquid
to attract and hold to its
surface a gas, liquid, solute, or
suspension (e.g. Propofol)
Factors Causing IV Incompatibility
Type Intervention
Difference in pH Refer to drug compatibility tables
High Concentration Determine the chemically compatible
concentration of both drugs
Temperature Refrigerate the IV admixture if not used
within 1 hour after mixing or leave at
room temperature to avoid clouding
and cracking
Order of Mixing Separate addition of ingredients or
drugs (e.g. always add phosphorous
after calcium to TPN)
Length of Time in Solution Refer to extended stability charts
Health Consequences
Consequences for the patient:
Damage from toxic products
Particulate emboli from crystallization and separation
Tissue irritation due to major pH changes
Therapeutic failure
Little published information about frequency of drug
incompatibility reactions
One PICU study showed 3.4% of drug combinations were
incompatible and potentially dangerous
Clinical incompatibilities can contribute up to 25% of
medication errors
Up to 80% of IV drug doses were prepared with the wrong
diluent
Financial Consequences
Adverse effects of drug incompatibilities extend
patients’ hospitalization and the total costs for
hospitals.
Severe respiratory complications caused by toxic drug-
drug interactions may lead to an additional healthcare
costs of up to $76,500.
Preventive Strategies
Always check for compatibility
Standardize protocol for drug preparation
Check for alternative modes of administration
Separation of drug doses by time and place
Usage of multi-lumen catheters
Use in-line filters
Checking IV Compatibility
IV Compatibility Chart
Parenteral Nutrition (PN)
Three factors for incompatibilities
with parenteral nutrition
1. Precipitation of calcium and
phosphate
2. Creaming/Cracking of the lipid
emulsion
3. Addition/simultaneous application
of drugs to/with the PN.
Incompatibility Between Drugs and PN
Four criteria for drugs commonly added to PN
admixtures (e.g. insulin, heparin, and Pepcid)
1. Stable dosage regimen over 24 hours
2. Pharmacokinetic profile supporting 24-hour infusion
3. Stable PN solution infusion rate
4. Documented chemical and physical stability over 24
hours
Cracked TPN
Separation of the oil and water components of the
emulsion
Coalescence
Fusion of small triglyceride particles into larger
particles
Avoiding Incompatibility with PN
Never use PN for electrolyte therapy
Be familiar with manufacturers’ recommendations
Add divalent cations (calcium and magnesium) and
phosphate as organic bound salts (e.g. gluconate).
Do not add drugs or Iron to PN
May piggy back lipids separately from 2-in-1 PN
Avoid Y-site administration of drugs with PN
Calcium phosphate solubility curve for TPNs
Automated TPN Compounding
Where To Look For Compatibility Data
Must use professional judgment when evaluating
different reference sources.
Ways to Prevent or Minimize Incompatibilities
1. Mix thoroughly when a drug is added to the preparation.
2. Minimize the number of drugs mixed together in an IV solution.
3. Use freshly prepared solutions for compounding.
4. Always verify correct diluent, IV fluid, drug, and final concentration before
compounding.
5. Order of mixing additives affects the compatibility (e.g. add PO4 last to TPN)
6. Solutions should be administered promptly after mixing or within the stability
window so that the occurrence of potential reactions can be minimized.
7. Always refer to compatibility references.
8. Visually inspect final product after compounding for integrity, leaks, solution
cloudiness, particulates, color, and proper preparation.
9. Ensure proper labeling of final IV product with beyond use date and time.
Summary
Main risk for incompatibility
Preparation of infusion admixtures
Simultaneous application of IV drugs
Addition of multiple electrolytes and drugs in same IV
Strategy to Prevent Incompatibility
Standardize IV drug therapy
Compatibility data from literature
Exercise professional judgment as to whether or not the
reported data can be used in your situation