Stability of vinca alkaloid anticancer drugs in three commonly used infusion fluids.

Abstract The chemical stabilities of the vinca alkaloid anticancer drugs vinblastine, vincristine, and vindesine have been studied in three commonly used infusion fluids at 4 and 25 degrees C. The infusion fluids were: 0.9% sodium chloride, 5% dextrose, and Ringer's Lactate injection. Stability has been measured by using a stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic assay with ultraviolet detection. At 4 degrees C no significant degradation of the vinca alkaloids occurred within a storage period of three weeks. The stability tests at 25 degrees C also revealed that vinblastine, vincristine, and vindesine are stable (greater than 95% remained) when stored for three weeks at this temperature in 5% dextrose, 0.9% sodium chloride, or Ringer's Lactate infusion fluids.