What can excessive oxidation in radiopharmaceutical preparations result in?

Excessive oxidation in radiopharmaceutical preparations can lead to reduced efficacy due to the alteration or degradation of the radiopharmaceutical itself. Oxidation typically affects the chemical structure of the compounds involved, potentially leading to the formation of by-products that do not have the desired biological activity or imaging properties. This degradation can hinder the radiopharmaceutical's ability to bind effectively to its target, reducing its effectiveness in diagnostic imaging or therapeutic applications.

On the other hand, excessive oxidation is unlikely to cause bacterial growth, as oxidation generally creates an environment that is less conducive to microbial life. Additionally, increased potency and solubility are also not typical outcomes of excessive oxidation; rather, the integrity and performance of the radiopharmaceutical are likely compromised. Therefore, reduced efficacy is the primary and most critical consequence of excessive oxidation in these preparations.