Final answer:
In selecting an ideal medication candidate, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and convenient administration are essential criteria that cannot be omitted. Sustained-release may be considered less critical depending on the therapeutic context, such as in acute conditions or when sustained release affects efficacy or safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
In selecting a candidate for an ideal medication, certain criteria are essential while others might be considered less critical depending on the context. The most essential criteria that cannot be omitted include: non-toxicity, which ensures that the drug does not cause harmful effects on patients; cost-effectiveness, which ensures that the drug can be produced and sold at a price that is accessible for its intended use; and a method of administration that is convenient to ensure patient compliance.
Sustained-release formulations, though beneficial for maintaining steady drug levels in the body and reducing the frequency of administration, can sometimes be omitted if the situation dictates. For example, in acute conditions where rapid onset of action is more important than prolonged effect, or where the characteristics of the drug molecule do not allow for a sustained release without impacting its efficacy or safety profile.
Considering these factors, the ideal medication must balance efficacy with safety, accessibility, and patient adherence, while sustained-release may be a secondary priority in certain cases.