Pharmacy Law Practice Exam

What are examples of sterile compounding?

1. Topical creams and ointments

2. IV and inhalational solutions

3. Rectal tablets and capsules

4. Vaginal creams and syrups

The correct answer is: IV and inhalational solutions

Sterile compounding refers to the preparation of medications in a way that minimizes the risk of contamination by ensuring that the product is free from viable microorganisms. This is particularly crucial for drugs that are administered through injection or inhalation, as these routes bypass many natural barriers the body has to prevent infection. Intravenous (IV) solutions and inhalational solutions are prime examples of sterile compounded preparations. IV solutions must be prepared in a sterile environment, such as a cleanroom, and typically involve the mixing of drugs with sterile diluents before administration. Inhalational solutions also require sterility to prevent respiratory infections, as they are delivered directly into the lungs. In contrast, the other options include forms of medication that can be compounded in non-sterile environments and do not require the same stringent aseptic conditions. Topical creams and ointments, rectal tablets and capsules, and vaginal creams and syrups are not administered via sterile routes, which allows for more flexible compounding methods that do not necessarily require the same level of sterility. This distinction highlights why IV and inhalational solutions are the correct examples of sterile compounding.