Stability of quinine dihydrochloride in commonly used intravenous solutions

Abstract

The stability of quinine dihydrochloride at two concentrations, 1.2 and 3.6 mg/ml, in common intravenous solutions was studied. Admixtures of quinine in the following vehicles were prepared in glass containers: 5% dextrose in water, 5% dextrose in normal saline solution, 5% dextrose in half strength saline solution and normal saline solution. The solutions were kept under the fluorescent light at room temperature. Drug concentrations were monitored for 24 hours using stability-indicating high pressure liquid chromatographic method. More than 90 percent of the initial concentration of quinine remained in all solutions under the study condition and all samples remained clear and colourless over the entire 24 hr period. Admixtures containing quinine 1.2 and 3.6 mg/ml in four infusion solutions studied were stable for at least 24 hr and did not required protection from light during 24 hr period.