Ampule: sealed glass container used to hold a sterile preparation for parenteral administration and cannot be resealed. What is the standard abbreviation for ampule?

• A. Cap.
• B. Comp.
• C. Elix.
• D. Amp.

Answer: (D)

Ampules are sealed, sterile glass containers meant for a single parenteral dose and cannot be resealed after opening. The standard abbreviation used in medication orders and labeling for this form is amp. The period signals that it is an abbreviation. Other abbreviations refer to different dosage forms: cap. is for capsule, comp. for compounded products, and elix. for elixir. Using amp. avoids confusion and ensures clear communication about an ampule.