Dexmedetomidine in 5% glucose for neonates: stable for up to 28 days

GERPAC Congress 2026 highlights

Dexmedetomidine diluted in 5% glucose and stored in polypropylene syringes is physicochemically stable for at least 21 days at 0.4 µg/mL and 28 days at 4 µg/mL, at either 4°C or room temperature, according to Loan Chonkel (Pharmacy Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil). These are the first stability data for dexmedetomidine in this diluent.

Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2-adrenergic agonist that is increasingly used in neonatology, because it provides sedation with minimal respiratory depression. Sodium intake is often restricted in preterm infants, so 5% glucose is frequently used as the diluent instead of saline. Until now, there have been no data on the stability of dexmedetomidine in 5% glucose, particularly at the low concentrations used in neonates.

Two independent batches of dexmedetomidine were diluted in 5% glucose to 0.4 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL and packaged in polypropylene syringes. The syringes were stored for 28 days at 4°C, 25°C and 40°C. Drug concentrations were measured by HPLC with UV detection and the preparations were inspected visually at each sampling time.

At both 4°C and room temperature, concentrations stayed above 90% for 21 days at 0.4 µg/mL and for 28 days at 4 µg/mL. At day 28, residual concentrations of the 4 µg/mL solution were 98.3% at both temperatures. The 0.4 µg/mL solution had dropped just below the limit, to 87.7% at 4°C and 89.9% at room temperature. At 40°C, concentrations began to fall from day 7. By day 28, the concentrations had fallen to 33.5% of the 0.4 µg/mL solution and 53.8% of the 4 µg/mL solution. No degradation peaks, discoloration or particles were seen at any temperature.

The authors concluded that stability depends on both concentration and temperature: more dilute solutions are less stable, and high temperatures cause marked degradation. However, their findings support the advance preparation of dexmedetomidine syringes in hospital pharmacies, provided that appropriate storage conditions are maintained. The study is being extended to 5% glucose infusion bags.

Chonkel L, Viellard V, Dowek A, Paul M. Physicochemical stability of dexmedetomidine diluted in 5% glucose solution in polypropylene syringes. Poster. GERPAC Congress 2026.