Compounding Corner

Compounding-Formulating New Options



   When I say the word compounding, I sometimes get a funny look from people. Some ask, what is compounding? Most people ask, "Do you still do that?" Let's look at pharmacy compounding today and how can it help both the physician and the patient.

 

   Compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications. These "compounds" are prepared according to a physician's specifications to meet the needs of a particular patient. If there is not a commercially available product, the pharmacist prepares a unique prescription for a specific patient. You might say that the pharmacist compounds a "custom-fitted" prescription while the drug manufacturers provide "off-the-rack" drug products.

 

   In the 1930's and 40's nearly all prescriptions were compounded by the pharmacist. During the 50's and 60's drug companies provided pre-made products which were merely dispensed by the pharmacist. So, pharmacists went from being preparers of medication to being dispensers of medications.

 

   Pharmacists are still trained to compound medications. This training is still part of the core curriculum taught in pharmacy schools. No other health professional has studied chemical compatibilities or been uniquely trained to incorporate drugs into unique dosage forms. The compounding pharmacist has risen to the challenge of turning new chemical entities into novel dosage forms. They can also combine two or more chemicals to better suit patient's specific needs.

 

   The compounding pharmacist may also go to special schools or get specialized training in certain dosage forms and other disciplines. As a compounding pharmacist, I go to training once or twice a year to further develop my skills. I'm in contact with other compounding pharmacists, not only around the country, but around the world. By developing a network of pharmacists across the nation and in other countries, I'm able to utilize their experience to give my patients the benefit of knowledge from hundreds of compounding pharmacists.

 

   Compounding pharmacists are formulating drugs into many types of dosage forms. Gateway HealthMart Pharmacy can formulate:

 

Solutions                     Capsules                     Creams                       Gels

Suspensions               Suppositories             Oral rinses                  Topical Sprays

Lollipops                      Freezer Ice                  Transdermal sticks     Troches (lozenges)

Sugar-free                   Nasal Sprays              Poly-ox Bandage        Dye-free

Lactose-free                Extended Release capsules

Sub-lingual (under the tongue) tablets

 

   These dosage forms can have applications in:

 

Dentistry                      Veterinary                   Pediatrics                    Chronic Pain Management

Otics (ear)                   Dermatology              Flavoring                     Sports Medicine

Podiatry                       Infertility                      Gastroenterology        Neuropathies

Hospice                      Wound Therapy         Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

 

   We specialize in providing personalized medication solutions. Please call us with any questions.