Pharmaceutical stability of compounded acetylcholine chloride intraocular solution for intracoronary provocative vasospasm testing - Report - MDSpire

Pharmaceutical stability of compounded acetylcholine chloride intraocular solution for intracoronary provocative vasospasm testing

  • By

  • Killian J. McCarthy

  • Ryan Greenhalgh

  • Erica MacDonald

  • Laura Cedro

  • Duane Pinto

  • Margaret Stephan

  • Eric A. Osborn

  • June 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Stability Assessment of Compounded Acetylcholine Chloride Intraocular Solution

Overview

This study evaluates the stability of compounded acetylcholine (ACh) intraocular solutions for use in provocative intracoronary vasospasm testing. The findings demonstrate that the compounded ACh solution maintains stability and potency within regulatory guidelines over a 12-hour period.

Background

Provocative coronary vasospasm testing is essential for diagnosing patients with symptoms of myocardial ischemia but without obstructive coronary artery disease. The absence of a commercially available ACh formulation for intracoronary use has led to the off-label use of ophthalmic ACh solutions. Establishing the stability of these compounded solutions is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective testing.

Data Highlights

Time PointpHACh Retention (%)
0 h4.2100
4 h4.296.7 ± 0.3
12 h4.296.7 ± 0.3

Key Findings

  • The compounded ACh solution remained clear and colorless with a consistent pH of 4.2 at all time points.
  • Subvisible particulate matter was within USP <788> specifications throughout the study.
  • High-performance liquid chromatography showed no significant degradation of ACh, with 96.7 ± 0.3% retention at 12 hours.
  • The compounding method satisfies USP <797> regulations for stability over 12 hours.
  • This study provides a simplified approach for compounding ACh for invasive coronary function testing.

Clinical Implications

The findings support the use of compounded ACh solutions for intracoronary testing, ensuring compliance with stability regulations. This allows for safe and effective testing in patients with suspected coronary vasospasm.

Conclusion

The study confirms that compounded ACh solutions can be reliably used for provocative coronary vasospasm testing within a 12-hour window, adhering to established pharmacy guidelines.

Related Resources & Content

  1. European Society of Cardiology, 2024 -- 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of chronic coronary syndromes
  2. JACC, 2022 -- Safety of Provocative Testing With Intracoronary Acetylcholine and Implications for Standard Protocols
  3. JACC: Basic to Translational Science, 2024 -- Stability of Ready-to-Use Solutions of Acetylcholine for Intracoronary Provocative Testing
  4. Optometric Management — New Medications for Dry Eye and Presbyopia
  5. Retinal Physician — Suprachoroidal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Macular Edema in Retinal Vein Occlusion
  6. Retinal Physician — Improving Durability of Drugs in Wet AMD
  7. Glaucoma Physician — Glaucoma Clinical Trials
  8. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of chronic coronary syndromes
  9. Safety of Provocative Testing With Intracoronary Acetylcholine and Implications for Standard Protocols | JACC
  10. Stability of Ready-to-Use Solutions of Acetylcholine for Intracoronary Provocative Testing | JACC: Basic to Translational Science

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