Objective Shuanghuanglian injection (SHLI) is a typical Chinese medicine injection which has been used for more than 20 years. This study aims to investigate the compatibility of SHLI with western intravenous agents. Methods An extensive literature search was executed to identify all experimental tests and clinical reports on the topics. Data on the types of infusion solutions and western medical injections, usage and dosage, outcome measures for physical and chemical properties, and changes of drug effect were searched for. The included data was analyzed and described by the category of included western drugs. Compatibility was tested through integrating the evaluations of physical properties, chemical composition, drug metabolism, and safety. Results Sixty articles (38 experimental tests and 22 clinical reports) were included after screening. Fifty–three western medical injections were identified from all the included articles. Most of the research was about the compatibility of SHLI with different types of antibiotics, including β-lactam, aminoglycoside, and quinolone etc. Thirty-one western medical injections were not recommended to be combined with SHLI. The quality of the experimental test design was low because of unbalanced evaluation indicators: more attention to physical changes than drug metabolism, effect, and safety. Conclusions A broad incompatibility exists in the combination of SHLI with western medical injections. Some results are still uncertain, but the combinations should still be avoided until researched clearly. The compatibility and interaction of Chinese herbal injections and western medicines is still a weak area. The pharmaceutical sector should strengthen post-market research to update evidence and improve its distribution.
