When must medication be discarded before administration?

The requirement to discard medication before administration arises from certain critical factors that affect its safety and efficacy. Medications that have expired or are no longer sterile pose significant risks to patient health. Expired medications can lose their potency, meaning they may not provide the intended therapeutic effect or could potentially be harmful due to degradation products formed over time. Additionally, if medications are not sterile, introducing them into the body can lead to infections or other adverse reactions. Thus, discarding medications that are expired or non-sterile is essential to ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatment, aligning with best practices in medication administration.