What is the difference between "sterile" and "non-sterile" hazardous drugs?

The distinction between sterile and non-sterile hazardous drugs is crucial, especially in the context of handling and compounding in a pharmacy setting. Sterile hazardous drugs are specifically designed to be free from any viable microorganisms, which makes them safe for injection or implantation into a patient's body. This lack of microbial contamination is essential to prevent infections and complications in patients receiving these types of drugs.

On the other hand, non-sterile hazardous drugs do not have this same requirement for microbial sterility. These drugs may be manufactured and handled in a way that allows for microbial presence, thus they are typically used in different contexts, such as oral or topical applications, where the risk of infection is less significant.

Understanding this distinction is critical for pharmacists and healthcare providers as it informs the necessary precautions that should be taken while handling these drugs, such as the use of aseptic techniques for sterile drugs to avoid introducing contaminants. This knowledge directly impacts patient safety and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.