Ampoules

Ampoules are small sealed glass containers designed to hold a sterile liquid for intravenous injections, vaccines, or laboratory use. They are intended for single use and are opened by breaking the neck to access the contents.

They are typically made of glass, often borosilicate, and may be clear or amber to protect light-sensitive contents. The neck is scored or tapered to enable a clean break, and many ampoules carry lot numbers, the solvent, concentration, and expiration date.

Handling requires aseptic technique: wipe the neck, snap off the top with a twisting motion or breakable neck, and withdraw the liquid with a sterile syringe and needle. After opening, contents should be used immediately; resealing is not possible.

Safety considerations include avoiding glass fragments, keeping the opened ampoule upright, and disposing of broken glass and contents in a designated sharps container. If the ampoule is damaged or contents appear contaminated, discard.

Ampoules differ from vials, which are multi-dose or single-dose with a stopper and reseal; ampoules are always single-use. Some ampoules are designed to be opened with a protective cap or ampoule opener.

Common applications include pharmaceutical injections, vaccines, ophthalmic solutions, certain anesthetics, and laboratory reagents. They are manufactured under strict sterile and pyrogen-free conditions to meet pharmacopeial standards.