Pharmacy Law Practice Exam

According to USP 797, how many ingredients are allowed in a final Immediate Use compound?

1. No more than 1 ingredient

2. No more than 2 ingredients

3. No more than 3 ingredients

4. No more than 4 ingredients

The correct answer is: No more than 3 ingredients

The correct choice indicates that no more than 3 ingredients are allowed in a final Immediate Use compound, as outlined by USP 797 guidelines. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety and quality of compounded sterile preparations. Immediate Use compounds are typically prepared in situations where there is an urgent patient need, such as in emergency settings. The restrictions on the number of ingredients are specifically intended to minimize the complexity of the compounding process, which can introduce more opportunities for error, contamination, or instability in the preparation. Limiting the number of ingredients helps to ensure that the compounding can be done quickly and safely, while still maintaining the integrity of the final product. Moreover, the 3-ingredient limit is part of broader guidelines that govern the practice of compounding sterile products, emphasizing the importance of adhering to best practices to protect patient safety. Understanding these limits aids pharmacy professionals in making informed decisions during the compounding process, particularly in time-sensitive situations.