IVI GTN: Interaction with Plastic Tubing

• The product is compatible with glass infusion sets and with rigid infusion packs made of polyethylene; it may also be infused slowly using a syringe pump with a glass or plastic syringe

Non-Compatible

• Glyceryl Trinitrate is not compatible with polyvinylchloride (PVC) and severe losses of glyceryl trinitrate (up to 50%) may occur if polyvinylchloride is used, resulting in a reduction of delivered dose and efficacy.
• Contact of the solution with polyvinylchloride bags should be avoided.
• If other plastics are used, GTN may be absorbed by the tubing particular when running at low rates.
• The plastic used in the infusion equipment may adsorb glyceryl trinitrate and allowance may have to be made for this. The usual initial dose for unstable angina is 5 to 10  icrograms/minute. Most patients respond to doses between 10 and 200 micrograms/minute

Recommendations

• IV Infusions should be titrated against patient’s response regardless of the infusion container or sets used

References:

1. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/20943
2. Drug Therapy Protocol: Glyceryl Trinitrate (2016, Queensland Government