Alimta® (pemetrexed): Acceptable Range of Final Dilution Volume

Detailed Information

Prior to administration, pemetrexed should be reconstituted with

• 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (preservative free) for each 500-mg vial, and

• 4.2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (preservative free) for each 100-mg vial.¹

The appropriate volume of reconstituted pemetrexed solution should be further diluted to 100 mL (range of 75-125 mL) with 0.9% sodium chloride injection (preservative free) to make a final solution for infusion. Pemetrexed should be administered as an IV infusion over 10 minutes.^1,2

Final Infusion Volume: 100 mL vs Larger Volumes (eg, 250 mL)

The rationale behind the recommendation for diluting the reconstituted solution to only 100 mL over larger volumes (eg, 250 mL) is to allow for a short administration time (ie, 10-minute IV infusion).² Final infusion volumes >100 mL could prolong the infusion time of pemetrexed. A prolonged infusion time >20 minutes has not been studied by Lilly and could potentially produce unexpected toxicities.²

References

1. Alimta [summary of product characteristics]. Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., The Netherlands

2. Data on file, Eli Lilly and Company and/or one of its subsidiaries.

Glossary

IV = intravenous

Lilly = Eli Lilly and Company