ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the key aspects of parenteral drug administration and sterile product preparation. It details the importance of sterilization and methods employed to sterilize parenteral products. The chapter focuses on parenteral drug compatibility and stability issues. It then focuses on the calculations involved in routine preparation and administration of parenteral products. Parenteral means a sterile preparation of drugs for injection through one or more layers of the skin or mucous membrane. Injection and infusion are the predominant methods of parenteral administration. A subcutaneous or hypodermic injection is intended for administration of small amounts of medication, typically 1 ml or less. Intradermal injection is primarily used for sensitivity and immunological testing. An intramuscular injection is made deep into the layers of muscle. Drug absorption following an intramuscular injection is rapid for an aqueous solution but slow for suspensions and oily solutions. The primary use of an intravenous injection is to provide a rapid and immediate drug action.
