What is compounding
Pharmaceutical compounding is the ageless art and science of preparing personalised medication to fit the unique needs of patients.
Compounding is done by specialist pharmacist using combination of medical knowledge and state of the art laboratory techniques and equipment. Compounding is done in a strictly controlled sterile or aseptic environment in order to ensure quality and safety for patients
History of Compounding
Historically, majority of prescription were compounded. When mass drug manufacturing was introduced in the 1950’s and 1960’s, compounding rapidly declined. Medication changed to a “one-size-fits-all” approach which meant that some patients’ individual needs were not being met.
Historically, majority of prescription were compounded. When mass drug manufacturing was introduced in the 1950’s and 1960’s, compounding rapidly declined. Medication changed to a “one-size-fits-all” approach which meant that some patients’ individual needs were not being met.
Why Compounding
Compounding fills the gaps – it meets individual needs and creates solutions to problems.
It can be anything from
- Creating medicine that is not available in the market
- Medications that are out of stock or discontinued
- Preparing a medication in a special dosage form or strength – such as:
- A suppository or a syrup instead of a tablet
- Transdermal creams
- Vaginal preparations
- Lolly pops
- Oral dispersible tablets
- Slow release preparations
- Injectable preparations
- Formulating and preparing allergen-free medication for patients sensitive to certain excipients such as dyes, gluten, sugar, lactose or alcohol
- Formulating and preparing medication for patients who absorb or excrete medications abnormally
- Specially flavored medication for children and animals