US EPA

3212919 

Journal Article 

Assessment of stability of ketamine-xylazine preparations with or without acepromazine using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry 

Dodelet-Devillers, A; Zullian, C; Vachon, P; Beaudry, F 

2016 

Yes 

Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
ISSN: 0830-9000 

80 

1 

86-89 

English 

26733737 

WOS:000378136900011 

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of 3 distinct preparations of ketamine and xylazine, with or without acepromazine, stored at room temperature or at 4°C for 1, 2, and 3 mo. Drug concentrations were compared to fresh solutions, using a high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/selected-ion monitoring (HPLC-MS/SIM) assay. The concentrations of ketamine and xylazine, diluted in physiological saline, did not change over time at room temperature or at 4°C. However, acepromazine concentrations decreased over time when stored at room temperature. In contrast, undiluted ketamine-xylazine preparations gradually decreased in concentration when stored at room temperature. All of the drug concentrations remained above 90% of their original concentration when stored at 4°C. In conclusion, when diluted in physiological saline, ketamine-xylazine cocktails can be stored for 3 mo, whereas undiluted cocktails can lose efficacy over 3 mo at room temperature. Storage at 4°C could preserve drug stability.