What is the stability data of cefepime and vancomycin in peritoneal fluid for intraperitoneal administration?

Comment by InpharmD Researcher

Cefepime generally maintains over 90% of its concentration for 7 days at 4°C and 4 days at 25°C in pH-neutral peritoneal fluid solutions, with a significant decline to 12 hours at 37°C. In contrast, vancomycin demonstrates greater stability, remaining stable for 28 days at room temperature and for 14 days in both icodextrin and dextrose-based solutions when stored at 4°C and 25°C. At 37°C, vancomycin’s stability ranges from 1 to 4 days, depending on the specific solution. For more details on stability data, including specific solutions used and storage conditions, please refer to Tables 1-4.

Background

The 2022 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guideline provides recommendations on prevention and treatment of peritonitis. It was emphasized that the stability and compatibility of antibiotics in peritoneal dialysis (PD), as described in a 2022 review article, is one of the factors influencing treatment success. The panel states that cefepime remains stable for 14 days in dextrose-based PD solutions when refrigerated, while vancomycin is stable for 28 days at room temperature, though higher ambient temperatures reduce its stability. Additionally, vancomycin’s stability in icodextrin-based PD solutions has been confirmed for 14 days at both 4°C and 25°C. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

According to a 2022 review article on stability and compatibility of antibiotics in PD solutions, cefepime is less commonly used for PD-related peritonitis compared to other cephalosporins, and stability data for intraperitoneal (IP) administration is limited. Cefepime 312.5 mg in a 1.25 L bicarbonate compartment of pH-neutral PD solution (Balance) retained over 90% of its initial concentration at 4°C for 7 days, at 25°C for 4 days, and at 37°C for 12 hours after mixing the compartments. In another pH-neutral PD solution (Physioneal 1.36 and 3.86%), cefepime 125 mg/mL lost 10% of its concentration after 10 hours at 37°C. One study demonstrated that vancomycin 1,000 mg/L (loading dose/intermittent dose) retained over 94% of its initial concentration in icodextrin-based PD solution (Extraneal) for 14 days at 4°C and 25°C, and remained stable for 4 days at 37°C. These findings are particularly relevant for patients receiving an intermittent dose or loading dose of 30 mg/kg/bag, in line with ISPD guidelines for those weighing 60-70 kg. This builds on an earlier stability study which showed stability for 7 days at 4°C and 24°C, and 1 day at 37°C. Please refer to Table 1 for a summary of IP antibiotic stability, including PD solutions, storage conditions, and other stability data. [2, 6-8]

A 2023 review article discusses the stability and compatibility of intraperitoneal antimicrobials in PD solutions for treating PD-related peritonitis. The review includes 21 studies investigating the stability of 20 single and 8 combination antimicrobial agents across various concentrations and PD solutions. Notably, beta-lactam agents, including cefepime, were found to be stable for less than 6 hours when mixed in Physioneal solution at body temperature. However, these agents demonstrated stability for at least 6 hours in other PD solutions, with no observed physical or chemical changes in cefepime across all evaluated solutions. Vancomycin also showed no physical or chemical changes in any assessed PD solutions and remained stable for 1 to 4 days at body temperature. For further details regarding cefepime and vancomycin stability and compatibility in PD solutions, please refer to Table 2. [9]

References:

[1] Li PK, Chow KM, Cho Y, et al. ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment [published correction appears in Perit Dial Int. 2023 May;43(3):279. doi: 10.1177/08968608231166870] [published correction appears in Perit Dial Int. 2024 May;44(3):223. doi: 10.1177/08968608241251453]. Perit Dial Int. 2022;42(2):110-153. doi:10.1177/08968608221080586
[2] So SWY, Chen L, Woo AYH, et al. Stability and compatibility of antibiotics in peritoneal dialysis solutions. Clin Kidney J. 2022;15(6):1071-1078. Published 2022 Jan 17. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfac012
[3] Williamson JC, Volles DF, Lynch PL, Rogers PD, Haverstick DM. Stability of cefepime in peritoneal dialysis solution. Ann Pharmacother. 1999;33(9):906-909. doi:10.1345/aph.18336
[4] Dooley DP, Tyler JR, Wortham WG, et al. Prolonged stability of antimicrobial activity in peritoneal dialysis solutions. Perit Dial Int. 2003;23(1):58-62.
[5] Ranganathan D, Naicker S, Wallis SC, Lipman J, Ratanjee SK, Roberts JA. Stability of Antibiotics for Intraperitoneal Administration in Extraneal 7.5% Icodextrin Peritoneal Dialysis Bags (STAB Study). Perit Dial Int. 2016;36(4):421-426. doi:10.3747/pdi.2015.00062
[6] Yousaf F, Zaidi ST, Wanandy T, Jose MD, Patel RP. Stability of Cefepime in pH-Neutral Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions Packaged in Dual-Compartment Bags. Perit Dial Int. 2016;36(4):457-459. doi:10.3747/pdi.2015.00169
[7] Deslandes G, Grégoire M, Bouquié R, et al. Stability and Compatibility of Antibiotics in Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions Applied to Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in The Pediatric Population. Perit Dial Int. 2016;36(6):676-679. doi:10.3747/pdi.2015.00018
[8] Nornoo AO, Elwell RJ. Stability of vancomycin in icodextrin peritoneal dialysis solution. Ann Pharmacother. 2006;40(11):1950-1954. doi:10.1345/aph.1G321
[9] Lewis SJ, Alves B, Ratnam S, Churchwell MD. Stability and compatibility of intraperitoneal antimicrobials in peritoneal dialysate solutions. Perit Dial Int. 2023;43(6):431-441. doi:10.1177/08968608231196034

Literature Review

A search of the published medical literature revealed 4 studies investigating the researchable question:

What is the stability data of cefepime and vancomycin in peritoneal fluid for intraperitoneal administration?

Level of evidence

C - Multiple studies with limitations or conflicting results  Read more→



Please see Tables 1-4 for your response.


 

Summary of intraperitoneal antibiotics stability
Antibiotics PD solutions Stability Storage conditions Remarksa
Dextrose-based Icodextrin- based Room temperature Under refrigeration Tested for Stable for
Gentamicin   14 days 14 days  
  14 days 14 days  
Cefazolin   8 days     8 days
  14 days   14 days  
  7 days     7 days
  14 days   14 days  
Ceftazidime   4 days     4 days
  7 days     7 days
  2 days     2 days
  14 days   14 days  
Cefepime   14 days   14 days  
Vancomycin   28 days   N/A
  14 days 14 days  
Piperacillin/
tazobactam
+ Heparin
7 days   7 days  
PD: peritoneal dialysis.
a’Stable for X days’ indicates that the antibiotic concentration retained at least 90% of its initial concentration up to day X. ‘Tested for X days’ indicates the antibiotic concentration retained at least 90% of its initial concentration up to the study duration set for X days only.
Stability (Stable for X days) is interpreted according to the type of PD solutions and storage conditions specified.
 
 
References:

Adapted from:
Li PK, Chow KM, Cho Y, et al. ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment [published correction appears in Perit Dial Int. 2023 May;43(3):279. doi: 10.1177/08968608231166870] [published correction appears in Perit Dial Int. 2024 May;44(3):223. doi: 10.1177/08968608241251453]. Perit Dial Int. 2022;42(2):110-153. doi:10.1177/08968608221080586

Compatibility of single and combination agents in peritoneal dialysis solutions
Antimicrobial agent and targeted drug conc, mg/L Type of PD solution   Drug stability: Body temperature, 37C Physical and chemical compatibility Assay

Cefepime 

125

125

125

250

125

 

Extraneal 7.5%

Physioneal 1.36% (mixed)

Physioneal 3.86% (mixed)

Balance 1.5% (unmixed)

Balance 1.5% (mixed) 

 

1 day

10 hours

5 hours

-

12 hours

 

No change

No change

No change

No change

No change 

 

HPLC

HPLC

HPLC

HPLC

HPLC 

Vancomycin

30

30 

30

1000 

 

Extraneal 7.5%

Physioneal 1.36% (mixed)

Physioneal 3.86% (mixed)

Extraneal 7.5%

 

1 day

1 day

1 day

4 day

 

No change 

No change 

No change 

No change  

 

HPLC 

HPLC 

HPLC 

HPLC 

Ceftazidime and vancomycin combination

125/30

125/30

125/30

 

Extraneal 7.5%

Physioneal 1.36% (mixed)

Physioneal 3.86% (mixed) 

 

1 day

13 hours

7.4 hours

 

No change 

No change 

No change 

 

HPLC

HPLC

HPLC 



References:

Adapted from:
Lewis SJ, Alves B, Ratnam S, Churchwell MD. Stability and compatibility of intraperitoneal antimicrobials in peritoneal dialysate solutions. Perit Dial Int. 2023;43(6):431-441. doi:10.1177/08968608231196034

Stability Information for Cefepime in Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions

Reference Concentration Study Period Storage Conditions Chemical Stability Notes

Williamson et al., 1999

0.1 mg/mL

14 days under refrigeration, 7 days at room temperature, and 48 hours at 37 °C.

Refrigerated at 4 °C, room temperature of 25 °C, and body temperature of 37 °C.

Chemically stable. No cefepime hydrochloride loss occurred when refrigerated over 14 days. Losses at room temperature and 37 °C were about 7% in 7 days and 9% in 48 hours, respectively.

Tested in Delflex PD Solution with dextrose 1.5% (Fresenius).

Vance et al., 1992

0.125 mg/mL

7 days under refrigeration; 24 hours at room temperature and at 37 °C.

Refrigerated at 5 °C, room temperature exposed to light, and body temperature of 37 °C.

Chemically stable. About 2% loss of cefepime hydrochloride occurred in 7 days under refrigeration. Cefepime hydrochloride losses in 24 hours at room temperature or at 37 °C were 2% and 7%, respectively.

Tested in Inpersol with dextrose 4.25% peritoneal dialysis solution

Vance et al., 1992

0.25 mg/mL

7 days under refrigeration; 24 hours at room temperature and at 37 °C.

Refrigerated at 5 °C, room temperature exposed to light, and body temperature of 37 °C.

Chemically stable. About 3% loss of cefepime hydrochloride occurred in 7 days under refrigeration. Cefepime hydrochloride losses in 24 hours at room temperature or at 37 °C were 2% and 8%, respectively.

Tested in Inpersol with dextrose 4.25% peritoneal dialysis solution
Elwell et al., 2004 0.48 mg/mL

Up to 7 days.

Stored refrigerated at 4 °C, room temperature of 18 to 22 °C, and body temperature of 37 °C exposed to ambient room light.

Chemically stable. Cefepime losses of about 5 to 6% occurred in 7 days under refrigeration. The authors determined that cefepime concentrations remained acceptable for at least 48 hours at room temperature. However after correction for a potentially erroneous sample, approximately 8% loss was found after 7 days at room temperature. More than 10% cefepime loss occurred in 4 hours at body temperature. However, the authors noted the stability was sufficient to permit pre-warming the solutions prior to administration.

Tested in Extraneal PD (Baxter) peritoneal dialysis solution containing 7.5% icodextrin, a glucose polymer, with electrolytes.
Roberts et al., 2011 0.5 mg/mL

Refrigerated for 21 days and room temperature for 9 days.

Refrigerated at 4 °C and room temperature of 25 °C.

Chemically stable. The bioactivity of the antibiotic was retained for 9 days at room temperature and 21 days refrigerated. The HPLC analyses yielded somewhat erratic results but tended to support the bioactivity results.

Tested in the non-dextrose containing compartment of the Gambrosol peritoneal dialysis solution container (Gambro).

Tested in the non-dextrose containing compartment of the CAPD 19 Balance 2.3% peritoneal dialysis solution container (Fresenius).

Tested in Dianeal 2.5% glucose (Baxter).

References:

Trissel LA. Trissel’s™ 2 Clinical Pharmaceutics Database. Cashiers, NC: TriPharma Communications. https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/ivcompatibility/trissels. Accessed October 11, 2024.

Stability Information for Vancomycin with Dianeal/Delflex Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions

Reference Concentration Study Period Storage Conditions Chemical Stability Notes

Strong et al., 1989

14.3 mg/mL

24 hours

Room temperature of 25 °C exposed to fluorescent room light.

No information available

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal with dextrose 2.5% and (2) Dianeal with dextrose 4.25%, both with heparin sodium 0.5 to 14.3 units/mL. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Strong et al., 1989

6.9 mg/mL 24 hours Room temperature of 25 °C exposed to fluorescent room light. No information available

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal with dextrose 2.5% and (2) Dianeal with dextrose 4.25%, both with heparin sodium 0.5 to 14.3 units/mL. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Tobudic et al., 2012

1 to 8 mcg/mL

24 hours Simulated intraperitoneal administration at 37 °C.

Variable activity depending on the specific peritoneal dialysis solution used. No antibiotic activity was found when vancomycin hydrochloride was added to the dextrose-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions Dianeal PD4 and Physioneal 40. The best activity was found in Nutrineal PD4 and to a lesser extent Extraneal, although the activity was still lower than in the activity in a growth-promoting medium used as a control.

Antibiotic concentrations tested were 1 to 8 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic. Four Baxter peritoneal dialysis solutions used in this testing: 1. Dianeal PD4 (lactate buffered with dextrose 1.36%) 2. Physioneal 40 (lactate and bicarbonate buffered with dextrose 1.36%) 3. Nutrineal PD4 (lactate buffered with amino acids) 4. Extraneal (lactate buffered containing icodextrin) Human serum albumin was added to a concentration of 2 mg/mL and pH was adjusted to 7.4 with sodium hydroxide to simulate and 4- to 6-hour dwell. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Glew et al., 1981

10 mcg/mL

24 hours

Room temperature.

Unstable. About 7% or less antibiotic activity loss occurred in 24 hours.

Tested in phosphate buffer and peritoneal dialysis concentrate with dextrose 50% (McGaw). Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Strong et al., 1989

15 mcg/mL 24 hours

Room temperature of 25 °C exposed to fluorescent room light.

No information available

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal with dextrose 2.5% and (2) Dianeal with dextrose 4.25%, both with heparin sodium 0.5 to 14.3 units/mL. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Sewell et al., 1982

15 mcg/mL 24 hours

Room temperature of 25 °C.

Antimicrobial activity was retained throughout the study period.

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal 137 with dextrose 1.5% and (2) Dianeal 137 with dextrose 4.25%. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Sewell et al., 1983

20 mcg/mL 48 hours

Room temperature of 25 °C.

Stable. About 95 +/- 12% of the antibiotic activity remained after 24 hours but about 85 +/- 9% remained after 48 hours at room temperature. The presence of heparin sodium and insulin had no effect on antibiotic activity.

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal 137 (Travenol) and (2) PD-2 (Travenol) with and without heparin sodium 0.5 unit/mL and with and without insulin 0.02 unit/mL (20 units/L). Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Dooley et al., 2003

25 mcg/mL 14 days

Room temperature about 20 °C exposed to ambient room light and refrigerated at 4 °C.

Chemically stable. Little or no loss of vancomycin hydrochloride by immunoassay in 14 days at either temperature. Bioactivity was found to be about 90% in 14 days refrigerated and 79% in 14 days at room temperature.

Tested in Delflex peritoneal dialysis bags (Fresenius) with dextrose 2.5%. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Mawhinney et al., 1992

25 mcg/mL 42 days

Refrigerated at 4 °C, room temperature of 20 °C, and body temperature of 37 °C.

Chemically stable. Less than 4% vancomycin hydrochloride loss occurred in 42 days under refrigeration in both solutions. At room temperature, about 5% loss occurred in 28 days and about 9% loss occurred in 42 days in solution (1) with 1.36% dextrose. In solution (2) with 3.86% dextrose, little or no loss of dextrose occurred in 42 days at room temperature. At 37 °C, about 10% loss occurred in 7 days.

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal 137 with dextrose 1.36% and (2) Dianeal 137 with dextrose 3.86%. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Glew et al., 1981

50 mcg/mL 24 hours Room temperature.

Unstable. About 7% or less antibiotic activity loss occurred in 24 hours.

Tested in phosphate buffer and peritoneal dialysis concentrate with dextrose 50% (McGaw). Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Vaughan et al., 1994

50 mcg/mL 6 days

Stored under ambient light conditions refrigerated at 4 °C, at room temperature of 25 °C, and at body temperature of 37 °C.

Chemically stable. Little or no vancomycin hydrochloride losses occurred in 7 days under refrigeration or at room temperature if no heparin sodium was present. About 5 to 7% losses occurred in 7 days under refrigeration or at room temperature if heparin sodium was present. Losses of 10% or less occurred in 5 days and losses of about 12% loss occurred in 6 days at 37 °C with or without heparin sodium.

Tested in Dianeal PD-2 with dextrose 1.5% with and without heparin sodium 1 unit/mL. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Voges et al., 2004

1 mg/mL

Room temperature for 24 hours followed by body temperature for 4 hours.

Room temperature of 25 °C and 60% relative humidity followed by 37 °C and 60% relative humidity to simulate storage after removing from the overwrap followed by body temperature to simulate in-use conditions.

Stable. Little or no vancomycin hydrochloride loss occurred within the study period. No change in the chemical composition of the peritoneal dialysis solutions occurred.

Tested in four peritoneal dialysis solutions: 1. Dianeal PD4 2. Extraneal 3. Nutrineal 4. Physioneal 40 Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Nornoo et al., 2006

1 mg/mL

7 days under refrigeration or at room temperature and 24 hours at body temperature.

Stored refrigerated at about 5 °C, room temperature of about 24 °C, and body temperature of 37 °C protected from exposure to light.

Chemically stable. After 7 days of storage, little or no loss of vancomycin occurred in the refrigerated samples and about 2 to 3% loss occurred in the room temperature samples. At body temperature, about 6% vancomycin loss occurred in 24 hours.

Vancomycin stability was evaluated in icodextrin 7.5% PD solution (Extraneal, Baxter). Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Drake et al., 1990 1 mg/mL

48 hours under refrigeration and at room temperature; 8 hours at 37 °C.

Refrigerated at 4 °C, room temperature of 20 to 25 °C, and body temperature of 37 °C.

Stable. Antimicrobial activity was retained under refrigeration and at room temperature for 48 hours and at 37 °C for 8 hours.

Tested in Dianeal PD-2 with dextrose 1.5%. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Strong et al., 1989

5.3 mg/mL 24 hours Room temperature of 25 °C exposed to fluorescent room light.

No information available.

Tested in two peritoneal dialysis solutions: (1) Dianeal with dextrose 2.5% and (2) Dianeal with dextrose 4.25%, both with heparin sodium 0.5 to 14.3 units/mL. Variable compatibility results have been reported for this combination depending on the vancomycin hydrochloride concentration and the peritoneal dialysis solution.

References:

Trissel LA. Trissel’s™ 2 Clinical Pharmaceutics Database. Cashiers, NC: TriPharma Communications. https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/ivcompatibility/trissels. Accessed October 11, 2024