Reconstitution Basics
What does “reconstitution” mean?
Mixing a powdered drug with a liquid to make it usable
What is a diluent?
A liquid used to mix with a medication
What does “aseptic” mean?
Free from contamination
What does BUD stand for?
Beyond-Use Date
What is compounding?
Preparing a customized medication for a patient
What type of drug usually requires reconstitution?
A powdered medication
Name one common diluent
Sterile water, normal saline, or bacteriostatic water
Why do we clean vial stoppers with alcohol?
To prevent bacteria from entering the vial
Is BUD the same as a manufacturer expiration date?
No
What is a mortar and pestle used for?
Crushing and mixing medications
What liquid is commonly used for reconstitution?
Sterile water or normal saline
What unit is used to measure diluents?
Milliliters (mL)
What PPE is commonly worn when compounding?
Gloves, gown, mask, hair cover
Name 3 factors that determine BUD.
Chemical/physical stability, storage conditions, potential microbial growth, container compatibility, formulation changes
What is trituration?
Grinding a substance into a fine powder
Why must you gently swirl and not shake some meds?
To prevent foaming or damaging the medication
Why must you use the exact volume ordered?
To ensure the correct drug concentration
Why is hand hygiene critical in compounding?
To prevent contamination and infection
Why is BUD generally shorter than the expiration dates of ingredients?
Because stability decreases over time and BUD accounts for compounded product risk
Who is responsible for documenting BUD and labeling compounded meds?
Pharmacist or pharmacy technician documenting BUD and labeling
What happens if you add the wrong amount of diluent?
The medication strength will be incorrect and unsafe
What could happen if a diluent is contaminated?
It can cause serious infection
What could happen if aseptic technique is not followed?
Patient harm, infection, or death
If an ingredient expires sooner than the calculated BUD, what should the BUD be?
The BUD must be the earliest expiration date of any ingredient
Why is it important to compound as close to pick-up time as possible?
To ensure freshness, safety, and efficacy for short BUD medications