Which of the following terms refers to a drug preparation that has undergone alteration to ensure sterility?

The term that refers to a drug preparation that has undergone alteration to ensure sterility is "compounded sterile preparation." This term specifically indicates that the preparation has gone through a compounding process designed to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms, making it safe for administration via sterile routes such as intravenous or intramuscular injections.

Compounded sterile preparations are crucial in healthcare settings where patients may be receiving medications that require maximum sterility. This includes preparing drug formulations that are tailored to individual patient needs, often in a sterile environment using specific techniques that comply with established standards, such as those outlined by the USP (United States Pharmacopeia).

In comparison, standard pharmaceutical refers to commercially manufactured drugs that are produced under strict quality control but are not necessarily subjected to compounded processes for individual patients. Non-sterile preparation pertains to formulations that do not require sterility and can be used in various contexts, including oral or topical administration. Active pharmaceutical ingredient, on the other hand, denotes the specific substance in a drug responsible for its therapeutic effect and does not relate to the preparation process in the context of sterility.