Does anyone have any stability information on amyl nitrite outside of the refrigerator? Our Ambulance Service wants to add the amyl nitrite to their ALS boxes however the manufacturer's package insert states refrigeration and no information regarding stability outside of this. I have heard other hospitals doing this with their ambulance boxes, but no one can provide me with stability data/research. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Debbie

Name of Facility: Munson Medical Center - 380 beds

Years as a Buyer: 8 years

I checked a couple online sources (rxlist.com, drugs.com), and they both said the same thing: "Store capsules in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Protect from light and sources of ignition."

There may be some hope for you, though. Nassau Regional Emergency Medical Services' (http://www.nassauems.com/protocols/nassals2.pdf) emergency vehicles keep amyl nitrate as part of their standard Hazmat Drug Box Inventory. That was the only instance where I found amyl nitrate being stored at room temperature.

Hope this helps.

Name of Facility: Summerdale Enterprises, Inc.

City, State: Publishing

Years as a Buyer: > 30

I'd find a contact name for Nassau Regional Emergency Medical Services and ask them where their documentation came from. Sounds like if someone's doing it, the info is out there somewhere...

Name of Facility: CVMC - 270 beds

City, State: Teaching

Years as a Buyer: 1

I know we have amyls in the cyanide antidote kit and it is not refrigerated here. You may want to contact one of the companies that supplies them and see what they have to say.

Years as a Buyer: 20+