IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP The physical and chemical compatibility of amikacin sulfate (Amikin; I) at 5 mg/ml concentration in 30 IV fluids, as an admixture with 34 non antibiotic drugs, was studied. The highest concentration of drug listed by the manufacturer for IV use was employed. Observations for changes in the physical appearance and pH of the IV admixture were made at 8 and 24 hr after preparation. Samples were analyzed for I and drug additive. Chemical stability and physical compatibility of the IV admixtures are described as utility time which is defined. Sodium salts of chlorothiazide (Diuril) phenytoin (Dilantin), heparin sodium (Panheprin), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin), sulfadiazine (Sulfadiazine), thiopental (Pentothal), and warfarin sodium (Coumadin) were incompatible with I in all IV solutions tested, due to formation of precipitate (or haze) or loss of potency of the added drug. Other drugs found incompatible were: dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Decadron) in 25% dextrose-0.9% sodium chloride; vitamin B complex with C (Bejectal with C) in 25% dextrose-0.45% sodium chloride, 0.25% sodium chloride in water, Ringer's injection and sterile water for injection; potassium chloride in 6% dextran 75-0.9% sodium chloride; sulfisoxazole diolamine (Gantrisin) in Normosol R-5% dextrose and Surbex T-5% dextrose; and hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Solu-Cortef) in Surbex T-5% dextrose. The following drug admixtures were physically compatible and 90% or more of the bioactivity of I was maintained even at the end of 24 hr: aminophylline, amobarbital sodium (Amytal), ascorbic acid (Calscorbate), calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine HCl (Benadryl), epinephrine HCl (Adrenalin) ergonovine maleate (Ergotrate maleate), hyaluronidase (Alidase), hydrocortisone phosphate (Hydrocortone), levarterenol bitartrate (Levophed), metaraminol bitartrate, pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), phenobarbital sodium, prochlorperazine edisylate (Compazine), promethazine HCl (Phenergan), secobarbital sodium (Seconal), sodium bicarbonate, succinylcholine chloride (Sucostrin), and phytonadione (Aquamephyton). The prolonged stability of several IV drug admixtures of I clearly demonstrates its chemical compatibility with other drugs.