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What You Should Know About Compounding Pharmacies

18 May 2015 by Julia Gregory

You may be new to the term "compounding" as it related to medications provided by pharmacies, but this is actually the original way medications were made. Before the modern times, pharmacists were known as apothecaries. They were responsible for preparing and selling various medicines to their patients. Many drugs are now manufactured in labs, but when a pharmacist needs to provide a unique version of a medicine, they use compounding methods.

Why are some drugs compounded?

With compounded drugs, they are mixed differently than what is currently available from a drug manufacturer. Pharmacists that are specially trained in drug compounding will mix certain ingredients together to alter one drug or make medicines that aren't provided by manufacturers. Different patients have unique needs, which is why this still exists today. Pharmacists might use any combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal remedies to made compounded drugs.

Who needs these types of drugs?

There are many different people who need a compounded drug. For example, there may be an adult with severe anxiety about swallowing pills, so the pharmacist can make them a chewable version. Not only can compounded drugs be made chewable, but the pharmacist can also turn the drugs into a liquid form, which is great for anyone who can't swallow pills, including young children. These types of drugs are also useful in the following situations:

• A very young child needs a smaller dose than what is currently available
• The pharmacist wants to make different colors or flavors of drugs for children
• Someone has allergic reactions to ingredients in manufactured drugs
• A pet needs a special type of drug not available in the proper dose or form

What types of compounded drugs can be made?

As you can see, there are a lot of great uses for compounded drugs. Aside from the basic liquid and pill forms, compounding pharmacies can also make these types of drugs:

• Topical medicines
• Suppositories
• Eye drops
• Ear drops
• Sterile injections
• Nasal sprays

Do all pharmacists make compounding medications?

In order to make compounding medications, the pharmacist must be trained to do so. This is not something all pharmacists can do, so you need to find a compounding pharmacy. Many commercial pharmacies will have someone there that can provide this service, though you will need to wait a little longer for your drug to be available. Others are specifically compounding pharmacies, where they make and sell these special drugs, but don't provide as many commercial drugs. To find out more, contact a business like Potter's House Apothecary, Inc.

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