How should a pharmacist handle a suspension that has been improperly stored?

A pharmacist should consult the manufacturer’s guidelines when dealing with a suspension that has been improperly stored because these guidelines provide specific instructions regarding the handling, storage, and use of the medication. Manufacturers conduct extensive research on their products and establish protocols that ensure safety and efficacy.

If a suspension has been stored incorrectly, the manufacturer's guidelines will detail the appropriate actions to take, which may include whether or not the suspension can still be used or if it needs to be discarded. This step is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent any adverse effects that could arise from using a product that may have lost its potency or effectiveness.

In contrast, simply throwing it away may overlook the opportunity to salvage the medication if it can still be used safely. Refrigerating it without guidance may not correct the problem if it requires specific storage conditions that were not followed. Shaking and using it immediately without confirming its stability could lead to administering a suboptimal or unsafe product. Therefore, the manufacturer's guidelines serve as the definitive resource for handling medications properly.