Compounding Pharmacy
Unique Dosage Formulations
Compounding gives us the power of control, so we can adjust a medicine to better fit the patient. Some people have challenges with specific forms or flavors, like those who have difficulty swallowing pills. Some medicines contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions.
Working with your healthcare provider, the art of compounding gives us the opportunity to personalize medications and eliminate the challenges. Here are some delivery methods we use to personalize medicines.
Capsules
Medication can be compounded into a capsule, especially in cases where an alternate strength is required, or to omit potential allergens or irritants. Sometimes, medications can be combined into a single dosage, or made into delayed-release capsules.
Lozenges/Troches
Lozenges or troches are a popular way to keep drugs in your mouth when local action is needed there. They also can be placed under your tongue to dissolve, which allows the medication to enter your bloodstream quickly and easily. Lozenges and troches can be enhanced with natural sweeteners and pleasant-tasting flavors, making them ideal for geriatric and pediatric patients.
Topicals
Topical also commonly known as transdermal methods of delivery also are widely used because they allow the absorption of medicine directly through the skin. Gels, emulsion creams, sprays, and lip balm stick applicators are easy to use and effective in quickly getting medicine into the bloodstream. Frequently, transdermal medications are prescribed for hormone replacement, pain management, inflammation, and nausea/vomiting. In many cases, transdermals are used to help avoid potential side effects such as stomach upset or drowsiness.
Unique Oral Delivery Systems
Because many patients have difficulty taking medicine, many dosage forms can be custom-prepared for easier ingestion. Many medications can be taken through a flavored lollipop. Others can be taken as chewable “gummy” treats. Infants especially benefit from our liquid compounds that can be added to alternate delivery devices such as pacifiers or baby bottles, which are wonderful for dispensing medicine easily and accurately.
Suspensions
Many people have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, but many medications are not available in liquid form. Others may have problems tolerating the taste of a commercially available liquid. Through compounding, Flourish Pharmacy can make a naturally sweetened, pleasant-tasting oral solution or suspension that can be administered easily and accurately. We can also compound ear drops and nasal sprays.
Suppositories
Those who can’t take medications orally are prime candidates for compounded suppositories. Available in various shapes depending on administration, suppositories can be given rectally, vaginally or urethrally. By melting or dissolving into the body cavity, they pass quickly into the bloodstream. They can be used for hormone replacement therapy, or to treat local conditions such as hemorrhoids, infections, or inflammation.
Sinus Problems
Allergy chronic sinus infection sufferers will be glad to know that our sinus program centers on medications introduced directly to the sinus cavity to treat whatever issues you may have. We work with your physician to tailor a treatment specifically for you to treat the bacterial, fungal, or inflammation issues that are causing your sinus problems.
Power “Puffers”
Devices known as insufflators are used to apply an extremely fine dry powder to the nose, throat, ears or other body cavities, or topically for wounds. By squeezing a bulb, you can direct a powdered medication through a nozzle for direct application. Dry powder insufflators provide treatment quickly, and can minimize adverse reactions by releasing small, accurate dosages. They are often used in the treatment of earaches.
Simply call 405-751-3333 to make an appointment to talk with one of our compounding pharmacists. After consulting with you and your healthcare provider, we can customize a solution for your exact needs.