Other Interactions

With the increased use of large volume parenterals as electrolyte and nutritional supplements, an unlimited number of potential incompatibilities could result. In general monovalent cations are usually compatible. However, divalent cations like calcium and magnesium can be troublesome in the presence of bicarbonate, citrate, and phosphate, reacting to form insoluble complexes. When bicarbonate reacts, it will decompose to release CO₂ gas, which can have devastating clinical effects. Calcium also forms complexes with tetracyclines resulting in an inactivated product.

Many injections have special storage requirements such as protect from light (PFL) or refrigeration. Using these solutions in intravenous fluids may produce conditions not favorable to the drug's stability. Light sensitive drugs, when administered through an infusion, should be covered with aluminum foil, or other opaque materials, during administration to reduce photodecomposition.

    Some Drugs Which Undergo Photodecomposition