A study of the osmolality and pH of subcutaneous drug infusion solutions

Abstract

Background: Continuous subcutaneous infusion is a commonly used route for administration of medication in palliative care patients. It has been suggested that the pH and tonicity of the infusion solution may affect the duration of the infusion site. Aim: To investigate the pH and osmolality of a range of solutions of drugs which are administered by subcutaneous infusion. Method: The pH and osmolality of 21 different solutions containing one or more drugs commonly used in palliative care were measured. Results: All solutions had osmolality the same or less than 0.9% sodium chloride solution and pH values between 3 and 7.5.