In vitro stability of ranitidine hydrochloride in enteral nutrient formulas
RS Crowther,
R Bellanger,
and
KE Szauter
OBJECTIVE: To determine the chemical stability and physical compatibility of ranitidine in enteral nutrient formulas. MEASUREMENTS: A stability-indicating HPLC assay was used to measure the recovery of ranitidine from tablet (dissolved in water) or syrup after up to 24 hours of in vitro incubation in a variety of enteral nutrient formulas. Ranitidine binding to components of the formulas was measured after ultrafiltration. RESULTS: Eight enteral nutrient formulas were studied, and more than 90% of added ranitidine was recovered from each formula after 24 hours. The amount of ranitidine bound to components of the formulas varied between 8% and 29%. No gross physical incompatibilities were seen and the pH of each formula changed by less than 0.1 pH units over 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Ranitidine from either tablet or syrup was stable in the enteral nutrient formulas studied. Administration of ranitidine by admixture into these enteral formulas may be feasible.
