Compounding Flashcards

Which beyond-use date (BUD) applies to an unpreserved aqueous oral solution compounded in a non-sterile environment under USP ?

Answer: 14 days refrigerated

USP assigns unpreserved aqueous oral solutions a BUD of 14 days when stored under refrigeration.

When compounding a suppository base, cocoa butter is classified as what type of base?

Answer: Fatty (oleaginous) base

Cocoa butter is a classic fatty (oleaginous) suppository base that melts at body temperature.

A pharmacy technician is preparing a 2% salicylic acid ointment using fusion. Which step is MOST critical to product uniformity?

Answer: Adding the drug to the fully melted base with constant stirring during cooling

Constant stirring while the mixture cools prevents drug particle settling and ensures uniform distribution.

Which piece of equipment is used to measure small volumes of liquid (0.1–1 mL) most accurately during non-sterile compounding?

Answer: Syringe

Syringes are more accurate than graduates for volumes under 1 mL due to their narrow bore and precise graduations.

In the context of compounding, what does 'levigation' mean?

Answer: Reducing particle size by triturating with a small amount of liquid

Levigation reduces particle size by triturating the powder with a levigating agent (e.g., glycerin) to form a smooth paste.

What is the primary reason a pharmacy must perform a risk assessment before compounding a preparation that is commercially available?

Answer: To justify that the compounded preparation meets a specific patient need not met by the commercial product

Federal and state regulations require documented justification showing a patient-specific need that the commercial product cannot fulfill.

A pharmacist asks a technician to prepare a 1:20 w/v solution of potassium permanganate. How many grams of potassium permanganate are needed to make 500 mL?

Answer: 25 g

1:20 w/v means 1 g per 20 mL; for 500 mL: 500 ÷ 20 = 25 g.