Basics of Sterile Compounding: Ophthalmic Preparations, Part 2: Suspensions and Ointments

Ophthalmic preparations are used to treat allergies, bacterial and viral infections, glaucoma, and numerous other eye conditions. When the eye's natural defensive mechanisms are compromised or overcome, an ophthalmic preparation, in a solution, suspension, or ointment form, may be indicated, with solutions being the most common form used to deliver a drug to the eye. This article discusses ophthalmic suspensions and ointments and represents part 2 of a 2-part article, the first of which discussed ophthalmic solutions.