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A medication'sstabilityrefers tohow well it maintains potency, effectiveness, and safety over time. Several factors candegrade medications, includingoxygen, moisture, temperature, and light.
* Oxygen exposurecan causeoxidation, leading to drug degradation and loss of potency.
* Many medications, especiallyvitamins (e.g., vitamin C), biologics, and certain antibiotics, are susceptible to oxidative damage.
* Medications requiring protection from oxygen are often packaged inair-tight containersorblister packs.
* A. Allergies# Incorrect; allergies affect thepatient, not the drug'sstability.
* B. Equivalence# Incorrect; equivalence refers tobioavailabilitybetween generic and brand-name drugs, not drug stability.
* D. Indications# Incorrect; indications refer toapproved uses of a drug, not factors affecting its stability.
Other Answer Choices Explained:References:
* USP <797> and <795> Guidelines on Medication Stability
* FDA Drug Stability and Shelf Life Guidelines
* PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Storage & Stability)