Physical compatibility of medications with concentrated neonatal and pediatric parenteral nutrition: A simulated Y-site drug compatibility study.

BACKGROUND: The physical intravenous Y-site compatibility of 15 different medications with highly concentrated neonatal and pediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) compounds is described, using existing and novel methods. METHODS: PN formulations were developed based on common prescribing practices in a 400+-bed freestanding children's hospital. Medications at commonly used pediatric concentrations were mixed in a 1:1 ratio with both pediatric and neonatal PN formulations and incubated at room temperature for 4 h to simulate Y-site administration. Samples were then analyzed using the light obscuration (LO) technique, as recommended by United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapter 788, in addition to novel flow imaging (FI) microscopy and backgrounded membrane imaging (BMI). Physical compatibility was determined using USP 788 particle count limits for all techniques. RESULTS: Most combinations were found to be compatible per USP 788 thresholds. Pediatric PN was incompatible by at least two methods with cisatracurium 2 mg/ml, sildenafil 0.8 mg/ml, furosemide 10 mg/ml, and ketamine 10 mg/ml. Neonatal PN was incompatible by at least two methods with cisatracurium 2 mg/ml and furosemide 10 mg/ml. Overall, results for 20 of the 30 combinations (66%) agreed across all three methods. FI and BMI results agreed for 22 of 30 combinations. LO agreed with FI in 25 of 30 combinations, and BMI and LO results agreed in 23 of 30 combinations. CONCLUSION: Most combinations tested were found to be compatible across all methods. Novel methods of FI and BMI seem useful to further evaluate LO findings and improve accuracy of particle counts when assessing PN-medication combinations.