The binding of diazepam, digoxin, dopamine and fentanyl to different 0.2 microns end-line filters was investigated under simulated infusion conditions. All the drugs were diluted in either 5% dextrose or 0.9% NaCl infusion fluid. For digoxin and diazepam a marked reduction in the amount of drug delivered to the patient in the first 20-60 min of infusion is observed. For dopamine, the drug loss was less pronounced and no fentanyl was absorbed to the filters during the infusion experiment.

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The stability and the sorption by intravenous delivery systems of the calcium antagonist diltiazem dissolved into either 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride solutions have been investigated, under conditions simulating current clinical practice. Static experiments showed an excellent stability and no sorption after 48 h. Dynamic experiments, at a perfusion rate of 20 mg h-1, showed no sorption of the drug by infusion fluid containers, burettes or administration sets. For end-line filters a temporary decrease of the recovered amount of diltiazem was observed but only with the 0.9% NaCl solution. It is concluded that the stability and the sorption of diltiazem offers no problem with regard to clinical efficacy.

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