How should compounded sterile preparations be packaged for storage?

Compounded sterile preparations must be packaged in sterile, appropriately labeled containers to ensure their safety, sterility, and efficacy. Packaging in sterile containers maintains the integrity of the preparation, preventing contamination that could result from exposure to non-sterile environments or materials. Proper labeling is also crucial as it provides essential information about the contents, including the name of the preparation, the ingredients, the date of preparation, expiration date, and any specific storage instructions. This facilitates safe handling and proper use by healthcare professionals.

Using non-sterile packaging would jeopardize the sterility of the preparation, potentially leading to harmful infections in patients. Similarly, bulk containers without labels do not provide the necessary information for the identification and safe administration of the compounded sterile products, which could lead to medical errors. Thus, the requirement for sterile and properly labeled containers is vital in maintaining patient safety and regulatory compliance in pharmacy practice.