Which items are included in sterile compounded preparations?

Sterile compounded preparations are specifically designed to be free of viable microorganisms and are utilized in various medical applications where sterility is critical. Ophthalmic drops and tissue implants are examples of sterile compounded preparations because they are directly administered into sensitive areas of the body, such as the eyes or tissues, where any contamination can lead to serious infections or complications.

Ophthalmic drops are formulated to be sterile to prevent eye infections, and tissue implants require aseptic techniques during compounding to ensure safety and efficacy. The process of creating these preparations involves strict adherence to guidelines that ensure their sterility, which is essential for patient safety.

In contrast, topical ointments and pills intended for oral consumption do not require the same level of sterility since they are applied externally or consumed orally, where the risk of introducing pathogens is different. Non-prescription saline solutions, while they may be sterile, do not generally fall under the category of compounded preparations unless they are specifically tailored for individual patient needs and compounded in a pharmacy setting.