What Is a Compounding Pharmacy?

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If you have never heard of a compounding pharmacy, it may be for one of two reasons. It may be because you have always used pre-packaged medications, or it may be because you are familiar with the concept but not the name. It is really very easy to understand.

A compounding pharmacy is one in which medications or treatments are made to order, right in the pharmacy. At one time, all pharmacies compounded their own medications. There was no mass manufacturing system to dispense pills in neat little bottles.

There are a number of reasons why you or your doctor might want a specific mixture concocted just for you. The compounding pharmacist will follow the directives of a doctor in mixing the ingredients.

Sometimes, patients need a very small dose of a drug. For example, a person might be very sensitive to the drug or have a very small body, like as an infant. A compounding pharmacy provides a way for the drug to be given in the proper dose.

People with severe allergies may also have a difficult time finding medications that they can tolerate. For example, if they are allergic to wheat gluten, colored dyes, or other ingredients that are often found in pharmacy prescriptions, the compounding pharmacist can make up the medication using the important ingredients but leaving out the unnecessary additives.

Another job that a compounding pharmacy is used to handling is making a medication in a different form than it usually comes in. For example, if a drug is usually sold in the form of a pill, it might not be useful for a person with a disability who could not swallow pills to buy that drug in a liquid or gel form. The pharmacist could then make up the formula in a transdermal gel so that it could be easily used by anyone.

Some pharmacists also make simple compounded medications. They add flavors to cough syrups or other medications making them more acceptable for children. This encourages the youngsters to take their medicine.

Compounding pharmacies in pharmaceutical research companies make up the drugs that are to be tested. They follow the formulae given to them by the scientists in order to make enough of the drug to conduct the research. Their role is crucial in drug development.

One of the most well-known functions of compounding pharmacies that is often discussed in the news these days is the production of bio-identical hormones. These are hormones are made from natural plant sources and are usually used by many women instead of taking synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

A compounding pharmacy can make many kinds of treatments available for all kinds of people. It can serve people with special needs and those who demand something a little different from what other pharmacies offer. If you need an uncommon form of a common medication, a compounding pharmacy is the place to go.

About the Author

If you live in San Diego, a compounding pharmacy that can meet your needs in your area is the Mission Pharmacy and Compounding. For more information on their services, pharmacists and location, visit http://www.missionrx.net/. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

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