193 Fawaz et al Figure 2. Showing linearity in the range of 0 to 2000 ppm. Figure 3. Preliminary nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of reconstituted meropenem. of 1.05, 1.8, 2.5, and 2.6 ppm, suggests that meropenem begins to degrade upon dissolution. NMR was used as a qualitative method for characterization rather than a quantitative technique as it would have been difficult to quantify due peak overlap. NMR provided an estimation of how fast meropenem degraded; however, the instrument did not give an indication of concentration, so further testing by HPLC was needed. Preliminary investigation by the means of HPLC was carried out to give an indication of how many degradants meropenem has and to obtain the retention time of both meropenem and the degradation product/s. Results displayed in Figure 4 show the retention time of both meropenem and its degradation product/s. The spectra displays good resolution of meropenem and it degradant/s as no coelution was observed and the compounds are not distinguished from one another. Physical Observation Results Upon preparation, the solution was clear and colorless, but as the samples began to age, the color of the solution became