Physicochemical Stability of Emulsions and Admixtures for Parenteral Nutrition during Irradiation by Glass-Filtered Daylight at Standardized Conditions

Abstract

Commercially available parenteral emulsions (n = 4) and admixtures for parenteral nutrition (n = 2) were exposed to UVA and visible irradiation (320–800 nm) at standardized, validated conditions according to the ICH Guideline Q1B (Option 1, to an endpoint corresponding to 1.2 × 10⁶ lux h in the range 400–800 nm). Physical stability was evaluated as changes in emulsion droplet size measured by photon correlation spectroscopy, and emulsion droplet zeta potential measured by micro-electrophoresis. Chemical stability was evaluated by detection of lipid peroxidation according to the thiobarbituric acid test and changes in pH. The results are valid for samples stored up to 24 h after exposure. The preparations remained physically stable, even though exposed to UVA (489 W h/m²) and visible radiation (1.2 × 10⁶ lux h) that correspond to as much as 2–4 days exposure on a sunny window sill. This was the case also when vitamins and trace metals were added. Spiking of the samples with the highly efficient photosensitizer 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF), a thermal degradation product of glucose commonly present in steam-sterilized glucose infusions, did not reduce physical stability. Hence, the lipid peroxidation and changes in pH and color induced by irradiation of certain preparations did obviously not influence their physical stability.

LAY ABSTRACT:Parenteral preparations are commonly exposed to optical radiation during storage and administration. Exposure to visible light and UVA radiation indoors, or additionally UVB radiation outdoors, may lead to degradation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug formulations. Clear plastic and glass containers commonly used for parenteral preparations do not protect the contents from exposure to radiation, even in the UVB region. The investigated parenteral emulsions and admixtures of emulsions, glucose, and amino acids are physically stable during exposure to optical radiation corresponding to indoor conditions (i.e., glass-filtered daylight). They can be considered physically stable under normal in-use conditions.