Palonosetron HCl Compatibility and Stability with Doxorubicin HCl and Epirubicin HCl During Simulated Y-Site Administration

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Palonosetron HCl is a selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist used for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Palonosetron HCl may be administered with other drugs by Y-site administration, including doxorubicin HCI and epirubicin HCI. Consequently, stability and compatability information are needed to verify the acceptability of such Y-site administration.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the physical and chemical stability of undiluted palonosetron HCl 50 μg/mL with doxorubicin HCl 1 mg/mL and epirubicin HCl 0.5 mg/mL during simulated Y-site administration.

METHODS:

Triplicate samples of palonosetron HCl with each of the anthracycline chemotherapy drugs were tested. Samples were stored and evaluated for up to 4 hours at room temperature near 23°C. Physical stability was assessed using turbidimetric and particulate measurement, as well as visual inspection. Chemical stability was assessed by HPLC.

RESULTS:

All of the admixtures were clear and red—orange when viewed in normal fluorescent room light and with a Tyndall beam. Measured turbidity and particulate content were low initially and remained low throughout the study. The drug concentration was unchanged in any of the samples throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS:

Palonosetron HCl is physically and chemically stable with doxorubicin HCl and epirubicin HCl during simulated Y-site administration of these drugs over 4 hours at ambient room temperature.