Reasons

There are several reasons why pharmacists compound medications. I have found, however, the most important reason is patient-compliance. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or are sensitive to standard drug strengths. With a physician's consent, a compounding pharmacist can change the strength of a medication, alter its form to make it easier for the patient to ingest, and add flavor to it to make it more palatable. The pharmacist also can prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual troche or lozenge, a lollipop, or a transdermal gel. For those patients who are having a difficult time swallowing a capsule, we can make a suspension or a suppository instead.

Parents often have a tough time getting their children to take their medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and parents to select a flavoring agent, such as chocolate or tutti frutti, that provides both an appropriate match for the medication's properties and the patient's taste preferences.

Compounders focus on special needs. This may involve compounding an eye drop in a sterile compounding lab, filling syringes for patients who require injectable medication at home, preparing medications for veterinarians in a variety of dosage forms and flavors, providing natural alternatives , or assisting physicians in treating palliative care patients.

There is no shortage of challenges for the compounding pharmacist. Every day brings new problems to solve. The ultimate goal in preparing any of these customized medications is to help the physician and patient achieve a more positive therapeutic outcome.