Precipitation of drugs

Precipitation may occur due to:

• drug incompatibility (discard if solution precipitates
• too concentrated solution or is discoloured)
• use of saline instead of Water for Injection

Action:

• check BNF for compatibility
• use large enough volumes
• dilute while preparing

Drugs requiring care:

• Dexamethasone: dilute carefully when preparing
• Cyclizine: precipitates above concentration 10mg/ml after 24 hours, in saline, and in higher concentrations of Diamorphine
• Haloperidol: precipitates above concentration of 2mg/ml after 24 hours in mixtures with Diamorphine