Do intensive care drug infusions support microbial growth?

Anaesth Intensive Care. 1997 Dec;25(6):640-2. doi: 10.1177/0310057X9702500608.

Abstract

The potential for commonly infused drug solutions to support or inhibit microbial growth was explored in this study. Drugs examined were midazolam HCl, morphine sulphate, fentanyl citrate, pethidine HCl, bupivacaine HCl, atracurium besylate, vecuronium bromide, adrenaline, dopamine, dobutamine, noradrenaline, isoprenaline, glyceryl trinitrate, sodium nitroprusside and propofol. All drugs were studied in both diluted and undiluted forms. Of the 15 medications investigated, all except propofol were found to be bactericidal and to reduce fungal growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Intravenous / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / growth & development*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Critical Care
  • Drug Contamination*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Propofol / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Intravenous
  • Propofol