Which of the following products must be compounded under sterile conditions?

Rectal creams are typically applied to the rectal area for local effects and are not as critically dependent on sterility as ophthalmic preparations. While cleanliness is important, the rectal route is generally less susceptible to contamination compared to the ocular route, allowing for less stringent compounding conditions.

Topical ointments are used on the skin and, while they should be prepared in a clean environment, they do not require the same level of sterility as ophthalmic products. The skin acts as a natural barrier against infections, thereby allowing for more flexibility in compounding conditions compared to sterile products.

Oral suspensions are intended for ingestion and must be prepared with good manufacturing practices to avoid contamination. However, they do not need to be compounded under sterile conditions, as the gastrointestinal tract can tolerate certain levels of microbial presence without immediate harm.