A guide on Intravenous drug compatibilities based on their pH

Abstract

Hospital pharmacies in many countries include a mix of both European and FDA approved medications in their Formulary. Mixing incompatible medications is a major intravenous (IV) medication error especially when data on compatibility is not available in commonly used references. The pH of IV medications is very important to consider when tackling compatibility of solutions. Developing a guide reporting the pH of medications, in addition to compatible solutions and light sensitivity, can serve as a unique tool during the preparation of special admixture for a specific patient.