What is the primary purpose of a vial in the context of pharmacy?

In the context of pharmacy, the primary purpose of a vial is to seal medications in sterile conditions. Vials are designed to protect the integrity of the medication they contain by providing a secure and often airtight seal. This is especially critical for pharmaceuticals that are sensitive to contamination, light, or moisture.

By maintaining sterility, vials help to ensure that medications remain effective and safe for use. They are commonly used for injectable medications, which must be kept sterile to prevent infections. The closure of a vial, often with a rubber stopper, allows for easy access via needles while still maintaining an environment that minimizes the risk of microbial contamination.

While vials can also play a role in storing medications and facilitating individual dosages, these functions are secondary to their primary purpose of preserving the sterility and integrity of the medications they hold.