Stability of Epinephrine in Dental Anesthetic Solutions: Implications for Autoclave Sterilization and Elevated Temperature Storage

Abstract

Epinephrine is the least stable component of local anesthetic solutions and therefore the limiting factor for elevated temperature storage. Autoclave sterilization seems to be limited by the carpule's physical ability to withstand autoclave conditions. Our work confirms previous studies reporting only limited epinephrine decomposition during a few autoclave cycles. The calculated epinephrine concentration curves presented, for elevated temperature storage and autoclaving, agree with published data. These curves can be used to approximate the epinephrine concentration changes expected for various storage temperatures and times.