The difference between single and multidose vials is that single dose vials do not contain what?

Single-dose vials are specifically designed for the administration of a single quantity of a medication to a patient and are typically intended for immediate use. The key distinguishing feature of single-dose vials is that they do not contain preservatives. This is because preservatives are typically added to multidose vials to prevent microbial growth and to allow the vial to be accessed multiple times over an extended period. Since single-dose vials are used only once, the absence of preservatives is not a concern because there is no need to preserve the integrity of the solution for multiple uses.

In contrast, multidose vials contain preservatives to ensure that the medication remains safe and effective after being accessed multiple times. This is crucial for maintaining the quality and sterility of the medication throughout its usage period.

The other components listed, such as solvents, stabilizers, and buffers, can be present in both types of vials depending on the formulation of the medication. Their presence does not determine whether a vial is classified as single-dose or multidose; it is primarily the presence of preservatives that serves as the differentiating factor.