Pharmacy Care Solutions - Pediatric Compounding

Compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for
patients. In recent years, compounding has experienced a resurgence, as many
physicians are working with pharmacists to offer their patients the benefit of
medicines tailored specifically for certain needs.

Children are especially suited for custom compounded prescriptions, as
commercially manufactured drug forms are often not the best solutions for kids.
Working closely with a compounding pharmacist, your child's pediatrician can
prescribe medications for pain relief, respiratory disorders, oral thrush, diabetes,
head lice, diaper rash, skin disorders, cold sores/fever blisters and more.
Compounding can benefit patients in a variety of ways.

Flavored Medicine
The child who refuses to take his or her medicine because of the taste is a prime
opportunity for considering compounded medication. Dozens of flavors are
available to compounding pharmacists, who can enhance the taste and color of a
medication, while also ensuring that the flavor's pH is compatible with the
medication's properties.

Your child won't mind taking medicine as much when it tastes like bubblegum or
even chocolate.

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, your pediatrician and compounding pharmacist
can develop and prepare medications in alternate dosage forms your child won't mind taking.

These include lollipops, gummy bears, syrups, suspensions, freezer pops,
lozenges, transdermal gels and even pacifier dosages for infants — and all can
be administered in any number of great flavors.

Strength Variations
Your child is unique. Children vary in size and weight. Some have allergies and
varying drug tolerances. As a result, it's often a challenge to find a commercially
available medication suitable for the individual needs of your child.

A compounding pharmacist can be of help in formulating a medication which
comes in the exact dose needed for a child of a certain age and size.