Binding of Drugs to End-Line Filters: A Study of Four Commonly Administered Drugs in Intensive Care Units

Summary The binding of diazepam, digoxin, dopamine and fentanyl to different 0·2 μm end-line filters was investigated under simulated infusion conditions. All the drugs were diluted in either 5% dextrose or 0·9% NaCl infusion fluid. For digoxin and diazepam a marked reduction in the amount of drug delivered to the patient in the first 20–60 min of infusion is observed. For dopamine, the drug loss was less pronounced and no fentanyl was adsorbed to the filters during the infusion experiment.