Stability of mycophenolate mofetil as an extemporaneous suspension

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical and chemical stability of a suspension of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) prepared in the hospital from commercially available MMF capsules. METHODS: Suspensions of MMF were prepared at room temperature and stored at 5, 25, 37, and 45 degrees C over a period of 50 to 210 days. The contents of MMF and its degradation product, mycophenolic acid, in the suspension were measured at various time points by HPLC. RESULTS: MMF suspensions were stable (as determined by the presence of > or = 90% of the labeled amount) at 45 degrees C for at least 11 days, at 37 degrees C for at least 28 days, at 25 degrees C for at least 28 days, and at 5 degrees C for at least 210 days. The suspension was also physically stable at 5 degrees C during the entire test period. CONCLUSIONS: The compounded MMF suspension was stable for at least 11 days at all the temperatures studied and for as long as 210 days at 5 degrees C. This formulation appears to be clinically acceptable and provides a convenient dosage form for pediatric patients and for adults during the early postoperative period.