Comparative Stability of Compounded Omeprazole Suspension Versus Commercial Omeprazole Kit When Stored in Oral Syringes Under Refrigerated Conditions

Background: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to manage gastrointestinal disorders. Special populations may require omeprazole to be given as an oral suspension. Objective: The purpose of this project was to compare the stability of omeprazole in the FIRST kit product to a traditionally compounded omeprazole suspension, when stored in refrigerated unit-dosed syringes. NG tube delivery of the 2 products was also investigated. Methods: Five batches of compounded omeprazole oral suspension and 5 kits of FIRST-Omeprazole were prepared to an initial concentration of 2 mg/mL. Suspensions were aliquoted into 5-mL doses in clear plastic oral syringes, and stored at 2-8 °C. Syringes from each batch were analyzed at baseline and after 7, 14, 21, and 30 days for omeprazole potency using HPLC. To assess suitability for NG tube administration, 20 mL of each suspension were administered through NG tubes (8Fr, 10Fr, and 18Fr), and percent omeprazole recovery assessed. Results: The chemical potency remained within 90-110% for 14 days and 30 days for compounded samples and FIRST-Omeprazole samples, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in initial concentration; 1.89 mg/mL versus 1.98 mg/mL for compounded and FIRST-Omeprazole, respectively. After 30 days, FIRST-Omeprazole demonstrated 97.20% API recovery. Neither suspension experienced statistically significant loss of potency following NG tube passage. Conclusion: FIRST-Omeprazole suspension may be stored in refrigerated clear luer-lock oral syringes for 30 days. Traditionally compounded omeprazole suspension should be used within 14 days. Both suspensions are suitable for NG tube administration.