• Jean-Daniel Hecq, Laurence P Boitquin, Danielle F Vanbeckbergen, Jacques Jamart, and Laurence M Galanti.
• Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital of Mont-Godinne, Yvoir, Belgium.
• Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Oct 1;39(10):1654-8.

BackgroundKetorolac tromethamine is a nonsteroidal agent with potent analgesic and moderate antiinflammatory activity. Advance preparation of intravenous solution could be useful to improve quality assurance, time management, and cost-savings of drug delivery.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of freezing, long-term storage, and microwave thawing on the stability of ketorolac tromethamine in dextrose 5% infusion.MethodsFive polyolefin bags of solution containing ketorolac tromethamine 20 mg per 100 mL of dextrose 5% were frozen for 3 months at -20 degrees C, thawed in a microwave oven with a validated cycle, and stored at 4 degrees C. The concentration of ketorolac was measured by HPLC. Visual inspection and pH measurement were also carried out.ResultsNo color change or precipitation was observed. Ketorolac was stable for at least 60 days under refrigeration after freeze-thaw. Throughout this period, the lower confidence limit of the estimated regression line of the concentration-time profile remained >90% of the initial concentration, and the pH value decreased slightly without affecting chromatographic parameters.ConclusionsWithin these limits, ketorolac tromethamine in dextrose 5% infusion may be prepared and frozen in advance by a centralized intravenous admixture service, then thawed before use in clinical units.

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