WHAT IS COMPOUNDING?

Compounding is the preparation of a customized medication to solve a problem or meet a specific patient need. Compounding pharmacists work together with prescribers (such as physicians, veterinarians, and dentists) and their patients to develop the most appropriate therapy for each individual. For example, if a person is unable to take medication orally, we may be able to place the needed medication into a transdermal gel that will allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin. This may even prevent the need to be hospitalized to receive a medication that is only manufactured in oral and injectable forms. Some individuals are unable to take a commercial product because it contains a dye, sugar, alcohol or lactose. We can solve the problem by compounding a customized dosage form which contains the needed medication but not the problem-causing additive. If someone needs a reduced strength of medication or is unable to swallow a tablet, we can compound a pleasantly flavored liquid that can be easily administered. Sometimes we can prepare dosage forms containing more than one medication to simplify a confusing schedule and reduce the potential for medication errors. If you have problems giving medicine to your pets, we can help by compounding the drug into a form and flavor that the animal will devour!

 
Copyright 2004, Storey Marketing - Monthly Website Updates. All rights reserved. Questions regarding this article should be directed to the compounding professionals at Thrifty Health and Compounding Pharmacy.