When reconstituting a drug, what is typically added?

When reconstituting a drug, distilled water is commonly added. This process is necessary for creating a liquid form of a medication that is originally supplied in a powder form. The addition of distilled water helps to dissolve the powder, making the medication suitable for administration, usually via oral or injectable routes.

Distilled water is preferred because it is free of impurities and contaminants that could interfere with the medication's efficacy or stability. Additionally, using distilled water minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria or other microorganisms into the preparation, which is especially important in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the medication.

The use of substances like alcohol, sugar solution, or salt solution is not standard for reconstitution. Alcohol could potentially affect the medication's effectiveness and is generally not used for this purpose, while sugar solutions may be inappropriate depending on the drug's formulation and intended use. Salt solutions are typically reserved for specific types of medications that require such solutions and are not a universal practice for reconstitution. Therefore, adding distilled water is the most appropriate and common practice in reconstituting medications.