What is a coumpounded preparation?

A compounded preparation is made in a controlled setting in the pharmacy. It is prepared by a qualified healthcare professional in order to address a health issue of a specific patient.

Why resort to compounding?

• The commercially available product does not meet the needs of the patient
• The commercial product is no longer available
• The patient has an allergy or an intolerance to the commercial product and there are no commercial alternatives that are appropriate
• The treatment requires a custom dosage (ex.: pediatrics)
• Improving adherence by combining active ingredients
• Modifying the dosage form when the commercially available dosage form is not suited (ex.: switching to a liquid form if difficulty swallowing)
• Modifying the taste of a medication for ease of administration

Types of compounded preparations

Preparation of non-sterile products:

• Oral: capsules, solutions, suspensions, powders, pastes, gels, lozenges, lollipops and medicated candies.
• Topical use: creams, ointments, gels, powders, preparations for transdermal absorption, lip balms, nasal solutions.
• Rectal route: solutions, suspensions, enemas, suppositories, creams, ointments and gel.
• Urogenital route: creams, gels, capsules and vaginal suppositories

Preparation of sterile products:

• Subcutaneous route (syringe, elastomeric infuser, etc.)
• Intramuscular use (syringe, etc.)
• Intravenous route (syringe, elastomeric infuser, cassette, bag preparations, etc.)
• Ophthalmic route (ophthalmic drops, syringe)
• Otic route (otic drops)
• Intrathecal route
• Intracavernous route