Pharmaceutical incompatibilities: Definition, classification
Pharmaceutical incompatibilities refer to situations in which two or more substances are mixed or come into contact, resulting in a negative effect on the quality, stability, efficacy, or safety of one or more of the substances. Incompatibilities can occur between different drugs, drug components, excipients, or drug delivery systems. These incompatibilities can lead to adverse effects on the patient, such as reduced therapeutic efficacy, increased toxicity, or physical instability of the dosage form.
Pharmaceutical incompatibilities are classified into three main categories:
- Physical incompatibilities: Physical incompatibilities occur when two or more substances are mixed, resulting in a change in the physical properties of one or more of the substances. Examples of physical incompatibilities include changes in color, odor, texture, and solubility.
- Chemical incompatibilities: Chemical incompatibilities occur when two or more substances react chemically to produce a new substance that can be harmful to the patient. Examples of chemical incompatibilities include the formation of precipitates, degradation of active ingredients, and the formation of toxic by-products.
- Therapeutic incompatibilities: Therapeutic incompatibilities occur when two or more substances interact to produce a negative effect on the therapeutic efficacy of one or more of the substances. Examples of therapeutic incompatibilities include the reduction in drug potency, increased toxicity, and altered pharmacokinetics.
It is important to identify and prevent pharmaceutical incompatibilities to ensure the safety and efficacy of medication. Healthcare professionals must be aware of potential incompatibilities and must follow appropriate protocols for administering and preparing medications to minimize the risk of incompatibilities. This may include avoiding the use of certain drugs or excipients, using appropriate drug delivery systems, and following proper storage and handling procedures.
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