What common manifestation of physical incompatibility occurs when a previously dissolved drug comes out of solution?
Precipitation
Precipitation is a specific type of physical incompatibility defined by the transition of a solute from a dissolved state back into a solid, undissolved state within the solvent. This phenomenon is often visually apparent, manifesting as cloudiness in what was once a clear solution, or the settling of visible solid particles at the bottom of the container. This change can be triggered by various factors, such as unfavorable changes in the solvent properties, shifts in temperature, or the introduction of a second component that reduces the solubility of the first drug below its saturation point. Because precipitation often results in visible solid matter, it provides an immediate warning sign during preparation, unlike chemical incompatibilities which might proceed silently.
