#sterile compounding

USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Pharmacy Side-by-Side with the Solomon Islands National Pharmacy Services Division

Choosing between Sterile Compounding vs Non-Sterile Compounding

Welcome to Pharmacy Awareness Month - Day #25!

Sterile compounding is one of the specialized tasks that pharmacy technicians are trained in. As shown in the video above, it demonstrates various techniques that technicians would use when preparing sterile compounds. 

For example, from the “starting” point of the video (the 4:12 mark) to the 5:57 mark, is a demonstration on how to reconstitute a powdered medication (aka dissolving the powder in a liquid). If you decide to watch the entire video, it demonstrates how to prepare various other preparations!

One of the greatest challenges in prescription medication is a simple fact: Some patients just don’t like taking medicine. From a child who can’t stand the taste of a cough syrup to a cat who absolutely refuses to take an antibiotic, taking medicine is rarely a pleasurable experience. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Each patient is unique, with certain likes and dislikes. Others have difficulty swallowing a pill, and might respond better if the pill were compounded into a liquid suspension instead. A distinctive solution to these issues is a flavored medicine. Medicine doesn’t have to taste bad.

Adults & Children:

A prime advantage of compounding is its ability to customize medication. What’s the easiest way to customize it? Flavor! Our compounding pharmacists have access to many flavors and flavor combinations that can enhance the taste and color of a medication to make it easier to swallow. A child who has difficulty taking a prescription because of the taste is a prime candidate. He or she won’t mind taking medication that tastes like bubblegum, watermelon, or even chocolate. Most PCCA flavors are sugar-free and some are even dye-free, which benefits patients who are sensitive or allergic.

Many adults can also benefit from flavored medication. As people age or battle a chronic illness, taste preferences can change. Often, sweet flavors can become unbearable, or bitter flavors may cause nausea. In these instances, your compounding pharmacist can alter or mask certain flavors in order to make medicine more palatable – without changing the strength or effectiveness of the medicine itself.

When re-flavoring antibiotics, careful consideration is given to the measurement of pH in order to maintain the medicine’s stability. Whether your patient prefers a distinct flavor – or no flavor at all – compounded medications may be of benefit.

Animals:

Working closely with a veterinarian, we are able to custom-flavor a medication to fit the tastes and preferences of any kinds of animal.

Children are especially suited for custom compounded prescriptions. For various reasons, commercially manufactured drug forms sometimes may not meet the needs of every child. Compounding can benefit young patients in a variety of ways.

With the help of a TruCare pharmacist, you can prescribe medications for:

• Pain Relief • Respiratory Disorders • Oral Thrush • Diabetes • Head Lice • Diaper Rash • Skin Disorders • Cold Sores/Fever Blisters • And Much More…

Flavored Medicine:

Many children refuse medication because of its texture or color, or simply because they know it is medicine. The child who refuses to take his or her medicine because of the taste is a prime candidate for compounded medication.

Many medications can be transformed into colorful, pleasantly flavored dosage forms, which are dispensed in childproof packaging. Dozens of enticing flavors are available to compounding pharmacists, who can enhance the taste and color of a medication without changing the medication’s effectiveness.

Unique Dosage Forms:

Many children have a very difficult time swallowing capsules or tablets, especially if they have to take more than one medication during the day. To solve this problem, our pharmacists can develop and prepare medications in alternate dosage forms that children won’t mind taking, these include:

• Oral Liquids • Lollipops • Gummy Treats • Topical Gels • Effervescent Drinks

Some compounded medications can be administered using special pacifiers or bottles for infants – and most can be administered in any number of great flavors.

Strength and Ingredient Variations:

Each child is unique and differs in size and individual needs. Some have allergies and varying drug tolerances, requiring medications which are sugar-free, gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free, or dye-free. As a result, it can be a challenge to find a commercially available medication suitable for a child’s individual needs. Our pharmacists, working closely together with you and your patient can formulate a medication which meets all the child’s requirements.