Stabilization of multivitamin/trace elements formulations

Abstract

Disclosed are aqueous multivitamin/trace elements formulations stabilized by a water soluble, organic acid that contains carbon-to-carbon unsaturation and water soluble salts thereof selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleamic acid and acrylic acid.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method of stabilizing aqueous parenteral solutions of multivitamins in the presence of trace elements and compositions produced thereby for human and veterinary administration.

As is well known, in addition to the various basic nutritive materials which are required by humans and animals, a variety of other nutrients and essential elements are also required for the maintenance of good health. The present invention is directed to nutrients and essential elements, sometimes called "micronutrients", from which relatively very small amounts are needed to provide a well-balanced, healthy diet. For convenience, the compositions of the invention will be described as relate to humans, however, the same can as well be used for veterinary purposes. While the compositions of the invention may be used as regular supplements to nutrients obtained through the digestive system, it especially concerns total parenteral nutrition to provide nutritional support for persons unable to meet their nutritional requirements through the digestive system, i.e. for nutritional rehabilitation of patients.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has been used for many years and an expanded knowledge of nutritional requirements led to the development of a wide array of products from which the TPN solutions can be formulated. The Nutritional Advisory Group of the American Medical Association (AMA) has developed recommendations for the parenteral use of multivitamin preparations. The guidelines for adult formulations are as follows (JPEN 3: 258-262, 1979)

______________________________________ DailyVitamin Administration______________________________________A 3,300 IUD 200 IUE 10 IUAscorbic Acid 100 mgFolacin 400 mcgNiacin 40 mgRiboflavin 3.6 mgThiamin 3 mgPyridoxine (B6) 4 mgCyanocobalamin (B12) 5 mcgPantothenic Acid 15 mgBiotin 60 mcg______________________________________

The medical profession has focused increasing attention on the importance of trace elements in the nutritional management of medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions. The AMA has also published guidelines for trace element preparations for parenteral use (JPEN 3: 263-267, 1979):

______________________________________ DailyTrace Elements Administration______________________________________Zinc 2.5-4 mgCopper 0.5-1.5 mgChromium 10-15 mcgManganese 0.15-0.8 mg______________________________________

The AMA did not address other trace elements, however, there are increasing data for the role of these various trace elements in good nutritional support. It is generally known that the "essential elements", i.e. calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, furthermore zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, chromium, iron, molybdenum, vanadium, selenium and nickel are indispensable for the normal function of living organisms. The essential elements are the constituents or activators of numerous enzyme systems, they are in close correlation with the level of certain vitamins in the organism and with the function of the hormone system. The deficiency of essential elements greatly suppresses the biosynthesis of proteins, enzymes, hormones and other biologically active substances required to control the normal functions of the living organism as a whole.

The JPEN 5: 424-429, 1981 reports on health disorders associated with the insufficiency of some essential trace elements in TPN: Zinc deficiency manifests in a variety of diseases including acrodermatitic skin lesions, impaired immunity, poor growth, impaired wound healing, and mental disturbances; copper deficiency results in hematologic abnormalities, usually anemia with leukopenia and neutropenia; chromium deficiency has been recognized to play a role in glucose intolerance, weight loss, peripheral neuropathy or encephalopathy; and selenium deficiency in experimental animals was observed to cause liver necrosis, pancreatic atrophy, and muscular dystrophy. Manganese is an actuator of several enzymes being involved in protein synthesis and function of the central nervous system. It is essential for bone structure and reproduction.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In general, liquid multivitamin preparations of the prior art are packaged in two separate vials or syringes, or double compartment vials or syringes to prevent interaction between some of the vitamins. Such interaction results in discoloration of the solution and loss of potency. Another approach to solve the interaction problem resulted in lyophilizing multivitamin preparations and reconstituting the same just prior to injection.

The ingredients interaction problem is even more serious when, in addition to containing multivitamins, the preparation also contains trace elements, especially copper. To circumvent the problem, the prior art, again, provided a two or three package system, one or two of which contained the multivitamin and one the trace elements. The contents of the packages were either separately infused into the patient or were admixed just prior to infusion. While the former method is undesirably cumbersome, the latter method is unsatisfactory for the reason that the reactions between the trace elements and the multivitamins are so rapid that the browning reaction and turbidity can be observed within minutes of admixing the two phases. In addition, the interaction could cause clogging of the infusion needle and the introduction of solid particles into the vein of the patient. This problem could be especially serious with infusions mixed several hours prior to addition to TPN solutions.

The present invention is designed to solve the above-described problems and to provide multivitamin/trace elements formulations in aqueous solution for parenteral administration to patients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a main object of the present invention to administer to patients multivitamins and trace elements together as one entity in an infusion mixture. Heretofore such administration was not possible due to the instantaneous reaction of trace elements with several of the vitamins forming darkly colored, turbid solutions with heavy precipitation occurring within minutes. Examples of such undesirable reactions include reaction of copper with vitamin C, riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin B.sub.12.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a multivitamin/trace elements formulation which is stable for at least 4 to 8 hours at room temperature or 8 to 12 hours refrigerated so as to allow normal manipulative time in hospital infusion.

It has been surprisingly discovered that the rapid inter-reactions between vitamins and trace elements can be prevented by the use of a water soluble, organic acid that contains carbon-to-carbon unsaturation and water soluble salts thereof. Such organic acids include: maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleamic acid and acrylic acid. Water soluble saturated weak organic acids, such as citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and oxalic acid showed no stabilizing effects. Cyanoacetic acid which has an unsaturated carbon to nitrogen bond was also ineffective in stabilizing the multivitamin/trace elements formulations.

In accordance with this discovery, several embodiments of the invention are provided as will be described hereunder.

a. One embodiment of the present invention lies in an injectable, two compartment, one unit vial or syringe, aqueous liquid-liquid preparation of multivitamins/trace elements maintained separately, one of the two compartments, in addition to containing the active ingredients, contains a sufficient amount of a water soluble organic acid having carbon-to-carbon unsaturation to stabilize the injectable combination preparation.

b. Still another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that described in (a) except the container is a two-unit vial or syringe package.

c. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for lyophilization of the respective solution or solutions referred to in (a) and (b) which are reconstituted prior to infusion.

The stabilizer can be added separately or combined with either multivitamins or trace elements.

The various embodiments of the present invention are useful for adult, pediatric, neonatal or TPN regimen and also for veterinary application.

It has been found that a molar ratio of 3 to 30 times of stablizer to combined trace elements is necessary to effectively stabilize either the multivitamin or the trace elements containing solution which corresponds to about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of stabilizer in the solution. The preferred method of stabilization is the use of 5 to 10 molar ratio of the water soluble unsaturated organic acid in the trace elements solution. While the mechanism of stabilization is not understood, it is postulated that stabilization is due to weak bonding of the trace element(s) to the unsturated carbon-carbon (double) bond.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the multivitamin/trace elements formulations of the present invention are directed by therapeutic considerations based on judgements of those skilled in the art of nutrition. For special deficiencies additional components or amounts may be added. Tables I and II show the amounts of the various vitamins and trace elements considered advantageous for use in TPN formulations.

TABLE I______________________________________Vitamin Range Broad PreferredActive Forms Range Range*______________________________________Vitamin A, alcohol, 230-10,000 3,300-5,000IU palmitate, acetateVitamin B.sub.1, hydrochloride, 0.05-45.0 3.0-6.0mg mononitrate, phosphate estersVitamin B.sub.2, riboflavin, 0.07-10.0 3.0.6.0mg riboflavin-5- phosphate sodium saltVitamin B.sub.6, hydrochloride 0.04-12.0 4.0-6.0mgVitamin C, Vitamin C, 4-1,000 100-200mg sodium ascorbateVitamin D, ergocal- 44-1,000 200-400IU ciferol, calciferolVitamin E, d or dl 0.66-10 5-10IU tocopheryl, d or dl tocopheryl acetateNiacinamide, niacinamide, 0.25-100 40-60mg niacinPantothenic d-panthenol, 0.3-25 10-15Acid, mg calcium pantothenateVitamin K, phytonadione, 0.04-1.0 0.10-0.5mg menadiole, menadione bisulfite, menadiol phosphateBiotin, mcg biotin 10-100 25-60Folic Acid, folic acid, 5-800 400-600mcg sodium folateVitamin B.sub.12, cyanoco- 0.04-10 2-5mcg balamin, cobalamin, hydroxy cobalamin______________________________________ *Preferred Range for adult formula TABLE II______________________________________Trace Element Range Broad PreferredActive Forms Range Range*______________________________________Zinc chloride, 100 mcg-10 mg 3-6 mg sulfate acetate, citrate, lactate, nitrate, tartrateCopper chloride, 20 mcg-2.8 mg 0.4-1.5 mg sulfate, acetate, nitrate, gluconateManganese chloride, 2 mcg-2.5 mg 0.15-0.80 mg sulfate acetate, nitrateChromium chloride, 0.14 mcg-20 mcg 10-15 mcg sulfate, acetate, nitrate______________________________________ *Preferred Range for adult formula

In addition to the active ingredients of vitamins and trace elements, excipients conventionally used in infusable solutions can be used, illustrative examples and amounts of which are shown in Table III.

TABLE III______________________________________Excipients______________________________________Antioxidants and thiourea, thioglycerol, thio-Stabilizers sorbitol, cysteine, glycine,(0.005-2.0% w/v) sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butyl- ated hydroxytoluene, nordihydro- gluaiaretic acid, ethyl hydro- caffeate, gentistic acid ethonal- amide, propyl gallate, ascorbyl palmitate, iron salts.Solvents propylene glycol, glycerin,(0.01 to 30% v/v) alcohol, polyethylene glycol.Solubilizers polyoxylated sorbitol fatty acid(0.01 to 5% w/v) esters, polyoxylated vegetable oils.Preservatives (for multidose units) parabens,(0.01 to 1.0% w/v) chlorobutanol, phenol, benzyl alcohol.______________________________________

The multivitamin/trace elements formulations of the present invention may be prepared using commercially available ingredients by methods well-known in the prior art. (Suppliers of raw materials include Hoffman-LaRoche Co., R. W. Greef & Co., H. Reisman Corp., Roussel Corp. and Rhone Poulenc Inc.)

The following examples will illustrate formulations according to the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 (Adult)

Ten grams of maleic acid is dissolved in 900 mL of water for injection. To this is added

______________________________________0.536 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)1.68 g zinc chloride0.364 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ The mixture is stirred until the solution is complete and adjusted to 1 liter volume.

Five mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________1.0 mg copper4.0 mg zinc0.5 mg manganese 10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamin solution containing the following vitamins per unit dose: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E0.15 mg vitamin K.sub.16.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin6.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid600 mcg folic acid200 mg ascorbic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 2 (Adult)

Five grams of fumaric acid is dissolved in 900 mL of water for injection and

______________________________________1.18 g copper sulfate (5H.sub.2 O)3.54 g zinc sulfate (7H.sub.2 O)0.307 g manganese sulfate (H.sub.2 O) and15.04 mg chromium sulfate are added and dissolved.______________________________________ The solution is then brought to 1 liter volume. A 5 mL aliquot is taken containing ______________________________________1.5 mg copper4 mg zinc0.5 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ and is added to a liquid or lyophilized multivitamin mixture for infusion purposes, the multivitamin mixture containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E3.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin4.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid400 mcg folic acid100 mg ascorbic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 3 (Adult)

Twenty grams of tris maleate is added to 900 mL of water for injection and stirred to dissolve. Then the following trace elements are added and dissolved:

______________________________________0.79 g copper sulfate (5H.sub.2 O)2.1 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ The solution is q.s. to 1.0 liter and 5 mL aliquot containing ______________________________________1.0 mg copper5.0 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is mixed with one unit dose of multivitamin solution for infusion delivery. The vitamin concentration is shown in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 4 (Adult)

Twenty five grams of maleic acid is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________1.072 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O),2.52 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1.0 liter.

Five mL aliquot containing

______________________________________2 mg copper6 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of multivitamin or lyophilized multivitamin solution. This is mixed for subsequent addition to the infusion solution. The concentration of vitamins is the same as that shown in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 5 (Adult)

Twenty grams of sodium maleate is dissolved in 900 mL of water for injection. To this is added

______________________________________0.5366 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)1.68 g zinc chloride0.364 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ The mixture is stirred until the solution is complete and adjusted to 1 liter. Five mL of this mixture, containing the same concentration of trace elements as in Example 1, is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamins.

The composition of the multivitamin mixture used in this example is

______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E3.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin4.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid400 mcg folic acid100 mg ascorbic acid2.5 mg thiourea.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 6 (Pediatric)

Five grams of maleic acid is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.161 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)0.63 g zinc chloride0.072 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and2.05 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is brought to 1 liter.

Five mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________0.3 mg copper1.5 mg zinc0.1 mg manganese2 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid pediatric multivitamin solution. The composition of multivitamin pediatric solution is ______________________________________2,300 IU vitamin A400 IU vitamin D7 IU vitamin E0.2 mg vitamin K.sub.117 mg niacinamide1.4 mg riboflavin1.2 mg thiamin1.0 mg pyridoxine5.0 mg pantothenic acid80 mg ascorbic acid20 mcg biotin1.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.12140.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 7 (Neonatal)

2.5 grams of maleic acid is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.032 g copper chloride (4H.sub.2 O)0.25 g zinc chloride0.014 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and0.61 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1 liter and 5 mL of this mixture containing ______________________________________0.06 mg copper0.6 mg zinc0.02 mg manganese0.6 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamin containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________1,400 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D4 IU vitamin E0.1 mg vitamin K.sub.110 mg niacinamide0.8 mg riboflavin0.7 mg thiamin0.6 mg pyridoxine3.0 mg pantothenic acid50 mg vitamin C12 mcg biotin0.6 mcg vitamin B.sub.1290.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 8 (Adult)

______________________________________0.536 g copper chloride (2 H.sub.2 O)1.26 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are dissolved in 900 mL water for injection. The solution is adjusted to pH 2 with hydrochloric acid and the volume is brought to 1 liter.

5 mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________1.0 mg copper3.0 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamins containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E0.15 mg vitamin K.sub.16.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin6.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid600 mcg folic acid200 mg ascorbic acid1% w/v maleic acid0.3 mg iron peptonate1.0 mg disodium edetate.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 9 (Adult)

Ten grams of maleamic acid is dissolved in 900 mL of water for injection. To this is added

______________________________________0.536 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)1.68 g zinc chloride0.364 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ The mixture is stirred until the solution is complete and adjusted to 1 liter volume.

Five mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________1.0 mg copper4.0 mg zinc0.5 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamin solution containing the following vitamins per unit dose: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E0.15 mg vitamin K.sub.16.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin6.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid600 mcg folic acid200 mg ascorbic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 10 (Adult)

Twenty five grams of maleamic acid is dissolved in 900 mL water or injection and

______________________________________1.072 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O),2.52 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1.0 liter.

Five mL aliquot containing

______________________________________2 mg copper6 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of multivitamin or lyophilized multivitamin solution. This is mixed for subsequent addition to the infusion solution. The concentration of vitamins is the same as that shown in Example 9.

EXAMPLE 11 (Adult)

Five grams of acrylic acid is added to 900 mL of water for injection and stirred to dissolve. Then the following trace elements are added and dissolved:

______________________________________0.79 g copper sulfate (5H.sub.2 O)2.1 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O).______________________________________ The solution is q.s. to 1.0 liter and 5 mL aliquot containing ______________________________________1.0 mg copper5 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is mixed with one unit dose of multivitamin solution for infusion delivery. The vitamin concentration is shown in Example 9.

EXAMPLE 12 (Adult)

Seven grams of acrylamide is dissolved in 900 mL water or injection and

______________________________________1.072 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O),2.52 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1.0 liter.

Five mL aliquot containing

______________________________________2 mg copper6 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of multivitamin or lyophilized multivitamin solution. This is mixed for subsequent addition to the infusion solution. The concentration of vitamins is the same as that shown in Example 9.

EXAMPLE 13 (Adult)

Seven grams of fumaric acide disodium salt is dissolved in 900 mL of water for injection and

______________________________________1.18 g copper sulfate (5H.sub.2 O)3.54 g zinc sulfate (7H.sub.2 O)0.307 g manganese sulfate (H.sub.2 O) and15.04 mg chromium sulfate are added and______________________________________ dissolved. The solution is then brought to 1 liter volume. A 5 mL aliquot is taken containing ______________________________________1.5 mg copper4 mg zinc0.5 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ and is added to a liquid or lyophilized multivitamin mixture for infusion purposes, the multivitamin mixture containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E3.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin4.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid400 mcg folic acid100 mg ascorbic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 14 (Pediatric)

Six grams of fumaric acid disodium salt is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.161 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)0.63 g zinc chloride0.072 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and2.05 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is brought to 1 liter.

Five mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________ 0.3 mg copper 1.5 mg zinc 0.1 mg manganese 2 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid pediatric multivitamin solution. The composition of multivitamin pediatric solution is ______________________________________2,300 IU vitamin A400 IU vitamin D7 IU vitamin E0.2 mg vitamin K.sub.117 mg niacinamide1.4 mg riboflavin1.2 mg thiamin1.0 mg pyridoxine5.0 mg pantothenic acid80 mg ascorbic acid20 mcg biotin1.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.12140.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 15 (Neonatal)

Three grams of fumaric acid disodium salt is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.032 g copper chloride (4H.sub.2 O)0.25 g zinc chloride0.014 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and0.61 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1 liter and 5 mL of this mixture containing ______________________________________0.06 mg copper0.6 mg zinc0.02 mg manganese0.6 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamin containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________1,400 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D4 IU vitamin E0.1 mg vitamin K.sub.110 mg niacinamide0.8 mg riboflavin0.7 mg thiamin0.6 mg pyridoxine3.0 mg pantothenic acid50 mg vitamin C12 mcg biotin0.6 mcg vitamin B.sub.1290.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 16 (Adult)

______________________________________0.536 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)1.26 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are dissolved in 900 mL water for injection. The solution is adjusted to pH 2 with hydrochloric acid and the volume is brought to 1 liter.

5 mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________ 1.0 mg copper 3.0 mg zinc 0.2 mg manganese 10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamins containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E0.15 mg vitamin K.sub.16.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin6.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid600 mcg folic acid200 mg ascorbic acid0.75% w/v fumaric acid disodium salt0.3 mg iron peptonate1.0 mg disodium edetate.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 17 (Pediatric)

Five grams of maleamic acid monosodium salt is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.161 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)0.63 g zinc chloride0.072 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and2.05 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is brought to 1 liter.

Five mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________ 0.3 mg copper 1.5 mg zinc 0.1 mg manganese 2 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid pediatric multivitamin solution. The composition of multivitamin pediatric solution is ______________________________________2,300 IU vitamin A400 IU vitamin D7 IU vitamin E0.2 mg vitamin K.sub.117 mg niacinamide1.4 mg riboflavin1.2 mg thiamin1.0 mg pyridoxine5.0 mg pantothenic acid80 mg ascorbic acid20 mcg biotin1.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.12140.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 18 (Neonatal)

2.5 grams of maleamic acid monosodium salt is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.032 g copper chloride (4H.sub.2 O)0.25 g zinc chloride0.014 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and0.61 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1 liter and 5 mL of this mixture containing ______________________________________0.06 mg copper0.6 mg zinc0.02 mg manganese0.6 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamin containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________1,400 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D4 IU vitamin E0.1 mg vitamin K.sub.110 mg niacinamide0.8 mg riboflavin0.7 mg thiamin0.6 mg pyridoxine3.0 mg pantothenic acid50 mg vitamin C12 mcg biotin0.6 mcg vitamin B.sub.1290.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 19 (Adult)

______________________________________0.536 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)1.26 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are dissolved in 900 mL water for injection. The solution is adjusted to pH 2 with hydrochloric acid and the volume is brought to 1 liter.

5 mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________1.0 mg copper3.0 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamins containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E0.15 mg vitamin K.sub.16.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin6.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid600 mcg folic acid200 mg ascorbic acid1% w/v maleamic acid0.3 mg iron peptonate1.0 mg disodium edetate.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 20 (Pediatric)

Two grams of acrylamide is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.161 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)0.63 g zinc chloride0.072 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and2.05 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is brought to 1 liter.

Five mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________0.3 mg copper1.5 mg zinc0.1 mg manganese2 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid pediatric multivitamin solution. The composition of multivitamin pediatric solution is ______________________________________2,300 IU vitamin A400 IU vitamin D7 IU vitamin E0.2 mg vitamin K.sub.117 mg niacinamide1.4 mg riboflavin1.2 mg thiamin1.0 mg pyridoxine5.0 mg pantothenic acid80 mg ascorbic acid20 mcg biotin1.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.12140.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 21 (Neonatal)

Two grams of acrylamide is dissolved in 900 mL water for injection and

______________________________________0.032 g copper chloride (4H.sub.2 O)0.25 g zinc chloride0.014 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O) and0.61 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are added and dissolved. The solution is q.s. to 1 liter and 5 mL of this mixture containing ______________________________________0.06 mg copper0.6 mg zinc0.02 mg manganese0.6 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamin containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________1,400 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D4 IU vitamin E0.1 mg vitamin K.sub.110 mg niacinamide0.8 mg riboflavin0.7 mg thiamin0.6 mg pyridoxine3.0 mg pantothenic acid50 mg vitamin C12 mcg biotin0.6 mcg vitamin B.sub.1290.0 mcg folic acid.______________________________________

EXAMPLE 22 (Adult)

______________________________________0.536 g copper chloride (2H.sub.2 O)1.26 g zinc chloride0.144 g manganese chloride (4H.sub.2 O)10.25 mg chromium chloride (6H.sub.2 O)______________________________________ are dissolved in 900 mL water for injection. The solution is adjusted to pH 2 with hydrochloric acid and the volume is brought to 1 liter.

5 mL of this mixture containing

______________________________________1.0 mg copper3.0 mg zinc0.2 mg manganese10 mcg chromium______________________________________ is added to a unit vial of lyophilized or liquid multivitamins containing the following vitamins: ______________________________________3,300 IU vitamin A200 IU vitamin D10 IU vitamin E0.15 mg vitamin K.sub.16.0 mg thiamin3.6 mg riboflavin6.0 mg pyridoxine40 mg niacinamide60 mcg biotin5.0 mcg vitamin B.sub.1215.0 mg pantothenic acid600 mcg folic acid200 mg ascorbic acid0.5% w/v acrylamide0.3 mg iron peptonate1.0 mg disodium edetate.______________________________________

Physical stability data of a multivitamin formulation containing the vitamins of Table I in the presence of trace elements of Table II are shown in Table IV and Table IV A. In one set of experiments no stabilizer was used; in another set of experiments the water soluble saturated, weak organic acid stabilizers (citric, acetic, tartaric, gluconic, succinic, lactic, oxalic acids) were used; in the third set of experiments, maleic acid was used as the stabilizer; and in the fourth set of experiments acrylic acid was used as the stabilizer.

TABLE IV__________________________________________________________________________Physical Stability Saturated Weak Maleic Acid Acrylic AcidTime No Stabilizer Organic Acids Stabilizer Stabilizer__________________________________________________________________________Initial Turbid Turbid Clear Clear(15 seconds) Severe darkening Severe darkening Very slight color Light color change2 hours Slight precipita- Slight precipita- Clear, no precipi- Clear, no precipi-Room temp. tion tion tate. No further tate. Light color Severe darkening Severe darkening color change4 hours Moderate precipi- Moderate precipi- Clear, no precipi- Clear, no colorRoom temp. tation tation tate. No further change. No Severe darkening Severe darkening color change precipitate8 hours Heavy reddish Heavy reddish Clear, no precipi- Clear, no colorRoom temp. brown precipitate brown precipitate tate. No further change. No Severe darkening Severe darkening color change precipitate24 hours Heavy reddish Heavy reddish Clear, no precipi- Clear, no colorRoom temp. brown precipitate brown precipitate tate. Slight change. No Severe darkening Severe darkening color change from precipitate original24 hours Heavy reddish Heavy reddish Clear, no precipi- Clear, no colorRefrigerated brown precipitate brown precipitate tate. No color change. No Severe darkening Severe darkening change from precipitate original__________________________________________________________________________

Table V shows results of chemical stability tests conducted on vitamin C, vitamin B.sub.1, folic acid, and vitamin B.sub.12 contained in a multivitamin formulation according to Table I in the presence of the trace elements of Table II. In one set of experiments the unsaturated water soluble acid stabilizer was used, while in another set of experiments the stabilizer was omitted. The remainder of the vitamins of Table I, namely, niacinamide, vitamin B.sub.6, vitamin B.sub.2, biotin, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, and vitamins A, D and E were found to be relatively stable in the presence of the trace elements without the presence of stabilizers.

TABLE V______________________________________Chemical Stability No Stabilizer Stabilizer______________________________________Vitamin C % Loss2 hrs. RT 14 44 hrs. RT 23 56 hrs. RT 30 58 hrs. RT 40 524 hrs. RT 93 1224 hrs. Refrig. 61 5Vitamin B.sub.1 % Loss2 hrs. RT 6 04 hrs. RT 14 26 hrs. RT 8 78 hrs. RT 15 424 hrs. RT 16 324 hrs. Refrig. 11 1Folic Acid % Loss2 hrs. RT 9 34 hrs. RT 10 36 hrs. RT -- 28 hrs. RT -- 524 hrs. RT 43 224 hrs. Refrig. 38 0Vitamin B.sub.12 % Loss2 hrs. RT -- --4 hrs. RT 66 16 hrs. RT -- --8 hrs. RT 100 024 hrs. RT 100 724 hrs. Refrig. -- --______________________________________

The preceding specific embodiments are illustrative of the practice of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that other expedients known to those skilled in the art or disclosed herein, may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stable aqueous multivitamin/trace elements preparation for parenteral administration comprising per milliliter of aqueous solution at least two vitamins selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________230-10,000 IU Vitamin A,0.05-45.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.1,0.07-10.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.2,0.04-12.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.6,4-1,000 mg Vitamin C,44-1,000 IU Vitamin D,0.66-10 IU Vitamin E,0.25-100 mg Niacinamide,0.3-25 mg Pantothenic Acid,0.04-1.0 mg Vitamin K,10-100 mcg Biotin,5-800 mcg Folic Acid and0.04-10 mcg Vitamin B.sub.12 ;______________________________________

20 mcg-2.8 mg of the trace element Copper; at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________ 100 mcg-10 mg Zinc 2 mcg-2.5 mg Manganese and0.14 mcg-20 mcg Chromium;______________________________________

and about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of:

acrylic acid and a water soluble salt thereof.

2. A stable aqueous multivitamin/trace elements preparation for parenteral administration comprising per milliliter of aqueous solution at least two vitamins selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________3,300-5,000 IU Vitamin A,3.0-6.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.1,3.0-6.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.2,4.0-6.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.6,100-200 mg Vitamin C,200-400 IU Vitamin D,5-10 IU Vitamin E,40-60 mg Niacinamide,10-15 mg Pantothenic Acid,0.10-0.5 mg Vitamin K,25-60 mcg Biotin,400-600 mcg Folic Acid and2-5 mcg Vitamin B.sub.12 ;______________________________________

0.4-1.5 mg of the trace element Copper; at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________ 3-6 mg Zinc0.15-0.80 mg Manganese and 10-15 mcg Chromium;______________________________________

and about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of:

acrylic acid and a water soluble salt thereof.

3. A stable aqueous multivitamin/trace elements preparation for parenteral administration comprising per milliliter of aqueous solution at least two vitamins selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________0.05-45.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.1,0.07-10.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.2,4-1,000 mg Vitamin C and5-800 mcg Folic Acid,______________________________________

20 mcg-2.8 mg of the trace element Copper; at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________100 mcg-10 mg Zinc2 mcg-2.5 mg Manganese and0.14 mcg-20 mcg Chromium;______________________________________

and about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of:

acrylic acid and a water soluble salt thereof.

4. A stable aqueous multivitamin/trace elements preparation for parenteral administration comprising per milliliter of aqueous solution at least two vitamins selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________3.0-6.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.1,3.0-6.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.2,100-200 mg Vitamin C and400-600 mcg Folic Acid;______________________________________

0.4-1.5 mg of the trace element Copper; at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________3-6 mg Zinc0.15-0.80 mg Manganese and10-15 mcg Chromium;______________________________________

and about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of:

acrylic acid and a water soluble salt thereof.

5. A stable aqueous multivitamin/trace elements preparation for parenteral administration comprising per milliliter of aqueous solution at least two vitamins selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________0.05-45.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.1,4-1,000 mg Vitamin C,5-800 mcg Folic Acid and0.04-10 mcg Vitamin B.sub.12 ;______________________________________

20 mcg-2.8 mg of the trace element Copper; at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________100 mcg-10 mg Zinc2 mcg-2.5 mg Manganese and0.14 mcg-20 mcg Chromium;______________________________________

and about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of:

acrylic acid and a water soluble salt thereof.

6. A stable aqueous multivitamin/trace elements preparation for parenteral administration comprising per milliliter of aqueous solution at least two vitamins selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________3.0-6.0 mg Vitamin B.sub.1,100-200 mg Vitamin C,400-600 mcg Folic Acid and2-5 mcg Vitamin B.sub.12 ;______________________________________

0.4-1.5 mg of the trace element Copper; at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________3-10 mg Zinc0.15-0.80 mg Manganese and10-15 mcg Chromium;______________________________________

and about 0.5 to 5.0% w/v of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of:

acrylic acid and a water soluble salt thereof.