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

Categories of non-sterile products :

Oral route:

• Capsules
• Solutions
• Suspensions
• Powders
• Pastes
• Gels
• Lozenges
• Lollipops and medicated hard candy

Topical route:

• Creams, Ointments, Gels and dermatological preparations
• Powders
• Transdermal preparations
• Lip balms
• Gels and nasal solutions

Rectal route:

• Solutions
• Suspensions
• Enemas
• Suppositories
• Creams, Ointments and Gels

Uro-Genital route:

• Creams, Gels, Capsules and Vaginal Suppositories