Contamination of multidose butorphanol vials in small animal general practices

Bell, A. , Yamaoka, T.T., Akil, L., Watson, D. and Devine, C. (2015) Contamination of multidose butorphanol vials in small animal general practices. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 56(11), pp. 637-640. (doi: 10.1111/jsap.12409) (PMID:26511104)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES To assess and quantify medetomidine contamination of butorphanol multidose vials in small animal general practices and determine if practice policies and procedures regarding drug handling, as determined by questionnaire, impact upon contamination level. METHODS Samples of butorphanol were withdrawn from in-use vials in participating practices in June and July 2013. Samples were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. RESULTS Forty-one samples were obtained from 31 practices. Contamination was detected in 29 samples from 10 mL vials. The mean (αsd) contamination was 0 · 275 (α0 · 393) µg/mL; maximum contamination in any vial was 2 · 034 µg/mL. There was no correlation between volume of the vial used and the level of contamination. None of the survey factors predicted contamination levels of the vials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Contamination of butorphanol multidose vials with medetomidine was common but the level of contamination was insufficient to cause detrimental effects in dogs if butorphanol were to be administered alone. The potential for sporadic higher levels of contamination must be taken into account, especially when using 50 mL vials when sedating critically ill cases, because there is a risk of clinical side effects.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bell, Mr Andrew
• Authors: Bell, A., Yamaoka, T.T., Akil, L., Watson, D., and Devine, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0022-4510
• ISSN (Online): 1748-5827
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Journal of Small Animal Practice 56(11):637-640
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.