Extended Stability for Parenteral Drugs

Book excerpt: "In the twenty-year span since publishing the first edition of Extended Stability for Parenteral Drugs, compounding of sterile preparations has been studied, reported, and regulated with increasing emphasis on sterility and patient safety risks. The need for compiling extended stability of parenteral drugs continues today, as pharmacists search for innovative solutions to improve patient access, manage medication shortages, and utilize compounded medications in a cost-effective way. As new drugs are approved, infusion pharmacists start seeking extended stability, and it takes considerable resources to organize and maintain an internal library of drug information for the medications compounded in a particular pharmacy. The requirement for reliable and relevant drug stability information remains a direct contributor to any pharmacy operation that compounds sterile preparations. The editors of the 7th edition worked diligently to expand the list of medications to include those beyond home infusion to be inclusive of all clinical settings where parenteral drugs are stored or compounded. The extended stability information provided is intended to be used as part of a risk-based approach to decrease risks posed to patients of physical or chemical degradation, and microbial contamination of parenteral medications"--