Beyond-Use Dates Assignment for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Example of Low-Dose Amiodarone Capsules.

  • Brun Damien
  • Curti Christophe
  • Lamy Edouard
  • Jean Christophe
  • Bertault-Peres Pierre
  • Broggi Julie Broggi
  • Tintori Guillaume
  • Vanelle Patrice

  • Amiodarone
  • Drug compounding
  • Drug-excipient interaction
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Stability

ART

Background: Beyond-use dates (BUDs) in compounding practice are assigned from stability studies. The United States Pharmacopoeia (USP 42 NF 37) suggested to assign a 6 months BUD for dry oral forms. A new pediatric formula of amiodarone capsules was implemented in our hospital, with 3 dosages (5 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg). Objective: BUD of these new formulas had to be determined by stability study. Methods: The method for the determination of amiodarone content was validated to be stability indicating, and a stability study was performed. Different excipients commonly used for capsule compounding were compared. Results: We found that, with microcrystalline cellulose as excipient, 50 mg amiodarone capsules were stable for 1 year, whereas 5 mg and 20 mg capsules were not. This difference was studied, and lactose or mannitol were found to be better excipients for 5 mg amiodarone capsules, despite their potential side effects. A potential drug-excipient interaction between microcrystalline cellulose and amiodarone hydrochloride is described. Conclusion: Amiodarone hydrochloride/microcrystalline cellulose capsules have a BUD of 1 month for 5 mg capsules, 6 months for 20 mg, and 1 year for 50 mg.