What is compounding?

Compounding is the way all medications were prepared until mass manufacturing of drugs began. 

Today, compounding combines long-standing pharmacy tradition with modern technology and medical knowledge to meet many unique and specific patient needs. Compounded medications might be right for patients who need a different dosage form, are allergic to inactive ingredients, a drug which is no longer available, or a different dose of a drug. We can work with you and your medical provider or your veterinarian to find a medication that works for you and meets your needs.

Are compounded medications safe?

Compounding is a widely used and accepted pharmacy practice. In fact, 30 to 40 million compounded prescriptions are dispensed in the United States every year! The Food and Drug Administration considers compounded prescriptions prepared by a licensed pharmacy to be legal and ethical. Individual state boards of pharmacy also regulate compounding practice. 

What can be compounded?

• Alternate dosage forms such as creams, suppositories, and liquid forms of medications only commercially available as tablets or capsules
• Topical dosage forms to decrease side effects from oral medications
• Pediatric dosage forms such as flavored liquids
• Medications without ingredients such as gluten, sugar, dyes, lactose, or alcohol
• Combinations of compatible medications into one dosage form, which might otherwise need to be taken separately
• Pet medications, including custom flavoring
• Other medications not available due to backorder or discontinuation

Unique Dosage Forms

• Creams, ointments, and other topical preparations: These can be prepared for patients who have difficulty swallowing oral medications or have side effects from oral medications. Topical medications can be applied directly to the affected site on the body. 
• Capsules: While capsules are not unique,  different combinations of compatible medications can be enclosed inside to  decrease the number of doses a patient may need to take.
• Suppositories: These can be made into a variety of shapes for insertion in various body cavities. They are commonly used for local effects (for example, vaginal hormone replacement) and when patients are unable to take oral medications (such as vomiting).
• Troches, lozenges, and lollipops: These medications dissolve and are absorbed from the mouth. They can be used when a quick onset of action is desired, or if the medication is to have its effect in the mouth. They can be flavored for easier administration, and can be dispensed in child-proof containers for safety.
• Pet medications: These can be compounded into topical preparations and into flavored capsules to make giving your pet medication easier!