What is a fundamental requirement for parenteral medication?

Parenteral medication refers to the administration of drugs by routes other than the digestive tract, typically involving injections. A fundamental requirement for parenteral medications is that they must be sterile and in liquid form. This is essential because the absence of sterility can introduce harmful pathogens directly into the bloodstream or tissues, leading to serious infections. Additionally, medications for parenteral use are generally prepared in liquid form to allow for easy injection into the body, as solid forms like tablets cannot be administered through injection.

While some medications may be packaged in glass containers for stability and sterility, this is not a universal requirement. Furthermore, heating medications is not a standard practice for parenteral therapies and is not necessary for their administration. Therefore, the requirement for sterility and liquid formulation is the cornerstone of safe and effective parenteral medication use.