What is Compounding?

It’s medication that’s tailored to you

Compounding is the practice of mixing individual ingredients together to the exact strength and dosage form needed by a patient. 

Many people can experience problems with the medications they are prescribed. Some medicines are not available in the strength required by patients, some patients are allergic to various ingredients in their medication and some have trouble swallowing capsules and tablets.

Certain types of medication, including drugs for pain and fertility, often require specific dosages. Patients with allergies or skin conditions, children with palatability issues and pets may also need medication that requires compounding.
 

A Compounding Pharmacist can customise medications to meet your specific needs.

With your Doctor's consent, a Compounding Pharmacist can:

• Tailor the strength of your medication to your individual requirements
• Combine multiple prescriptions into a single dosage
• Alter the form of your medication to make it easier to ingest
• Add flavourings to your medication to make it more palatable
• Provide your medication in a more suitable form such as a lozenge, spray or gel

Almost any kind of medication can be compounded.
If you would like further information, please talk to your Doctor or Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist.
 

Common compounded medicines forms

Tablets and Capsules

Fillers and dyes found in mass produced medicines can be removed or replaced and dosage levels adjusted to suit your individual needs. Medicines can be combined into smaller dose forms or combined to form one tablet or capsule.

Troches and Lozenges

Both forms dissolve slowly. Troches are a firm melting lozenge that are placed under the tongue to promote absorption as medication enters the bloodstream faster. Lozenges are used for topical treatment in the mouth or throat and can be made in the form of lollypops for children's medicines.

Liquids

Liquids are absorbed quickly and medication optimisation is high. Tablets and capsules can be transformed into liquids and flavoured to suit patients who find swallowing difficult.

Topical Medicines

Creams, foams, gels, lotions and ointments are made to order. They treat a variety of conditions and are applied directly to various body parts.

Suppositories

These are inserted directly into a body orifice, where they dissolve to slowly release the medication to that area or to the rest of your body.

Could Medication Compounding benefit me?

• Do you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules?
• Do you use multiple medications on a regular basis?
• Do you suffer allergic reactions to preservatives or dyes in your medication?
• Do you find it difficult to get your child to take their medication because they hate the taste?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then compounding may be of benefit to you.