What is the BUD for low risk compounds when stored at room temperature?

The beyond-use date (BUD) for low-risk compounded sterile preparations stored at room temperature is indeed 48 hours. This standard is established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of compounded medications.

Low-risk compounding generally involves simple manipulations, such as mixing a few ingredients in a controlled environment. When these preparations are stored at room temperature, the 48-hour BUD reflects the time frame during which the sterility and stability of the preparation are expected to be preserved based on current research.

Storing beyond this timeframe increases the risk of microbial contamination and degradation of the active ingredients, potentially leading to ineffective or harmful medications. Therefore, following the correct BUD is crucial for maintaining patient safety and medication quality. Understanding these timelines is a fundamental aspect of pharmacy practice and helps ensure that pharmacy technicians contribute to safe medication management.