Stability of generic meropenem solutions for administration by continuous infusion at normal and elevated temperatures

Administration by continuous infusion may represent an effective tool for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative related infections with meropenem. Currently, no data on chemical stability of generic bioequivalent versions of meropenem over time are available. Triplicate samples of 5 mg/mL solutions of a generic meropenem formulation, Hospira, were evaluated for chemical stability at increasing temperatures (25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C) by means of a high-performance liquid chromatography technique over 4 separate days. Degradation of generic meropenem was both time and temperature dependent, and the aqueous solutions were stable for up to 8 hours in the temperature range between 25°C and 35°C, and for up to 5 hours at 40°C. Continuous infusion of generic meropenem Hospira may be applied in clinical settings with ambient temperature below 35°C, provided that the 5 mg/mL aqueous solution is reconstituted at most after 6-8 hours.