Effect of Rubber Tubing Upon the Stability of Penicillin and Streptomycin Solutions

Abstract

Solns. of these substs. were placed in sterile 3-ft. lengths of the various samples of tubing. Controls were placed in glass tubing. After 6 and 24 hrs. samples were withdrawn for assay. Of 11 samples of synthetic rubber tested, 4 inactivated penicillin completely in 24 hrs. and 2 other samples reduced its activity by 64 and 84%. Of 5 samples of natural rubber tested, 1 pig-mented sample caused complete inactivation in 24 hrs. Buna S rubber caused 50% reduction in 6 hrs. Other synthetic rubbers caused 20-30% reduction in 6 hrs. No sample tested caused any reduction in the activity of streptomycin. For continuous drip procedures, attention must be given to the type of rubber used for administration of penicillin. Rubber tubing intended for hospital use should be checked for inactivating effects upon antibiotics.