Injectables in pharmacy, also known as parenteral preparations, are sterile pharmaceutical products administered to the human body by injection.
Types of Injectables
According to reference material, parenteral preparations encompass a wide range of formulations, including:
- Solutions: Homogeneous mixtures of one or more substances dissolved in a solvent.
- Suspensions: Preparations containing finely divided, undissolved solid particles dispersed in a liquid vehicle.
- Emulsions: Mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids, one of which is dispersed as droplets within the other.
- Powders for injection or infusion: Sterile solids that are reconstituted with a suitable vehicle before administration.
- Gels for injection: Semi-solid systems for injection.
- Implants: Solid dosage forms inserted under the skin for prolonged drug release.
Key Characteristics of Injectables
- Sterility: A critical requirement to prevent infection.
- Pyrogen-free: Absence of substances that can cause fever.
- Particulate matter control: Limited presence of foreign particles.
- Isotonicity: Similar osmotic pressure to body fluids to prevent cell damage.
- Stability: Maintenance of drug integrity and potency over time.
