Abstract

Our review of drugs for the GP’s bag recommended that the emergency drugs carried should include syntometrine injection. Sandoz has told us that exposure to light and temperatures above 22°C cause rapid degradation of the drug. In its original pack, protected from light but exposed to a temperature of 25°C, syntometrine remains fully active for 3 months. It must, therefore, be kept in the bag sealed and replaced every 3 months. The 6-monthly check we recommended would not be sufficient.