Compatibility of granisetron towards glass and plastics and its stability under various storage conditions

Abstract

We evaluated the compatibility of granisetron as an undiluted solution for injection, and diluted in 5% glucose or 0.9% NaCl, towards glass, polypropylene and PVC containers over a period of 15 days. The solutions were exposed to various temperature and light conditions. The granisetron was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results show that undiluted granisetron was stable in polypropylene syringes during the 15-day period under all the storage conditions tested, i.e., light and ambient temperature, dark and ambient temperature, refrigeration at 4°C. In contrast, variations in concentration were observed over time when the drug was diluted in 5% glucose or 0.9% NaCl irrespective of the container or the storage conditions. While undiluted granisetron at 1 mg/ml may be safely kept in polypropylene syringes, dilutions in 5% glucose or 0.9% NaCl should therefore be made up extemporaneously.