Compounding pharmacies provide services that are not typically available at traditional pharmacies, but what does a compounding pharmacist actually do?
What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
Traditional pharmacies are responsible for filling commercial, common prescriptions for their patients. Compounding pharmacies are different in several ways. Compounding pharmacies fill customized prescriptions which are specially prepared for patients with specific needs that cannot usually be met by a traditional pharmacy. Compound pharmacies use innovative technology to manufacture prescriptions that may contain multiple drugs and alternative dosing strategies.
A Day in the Life
For compounding pharmacists, the number one goal is creating safe, effective medication. For Smith-Caldwell, we take that seriously; our state-of-the-art sterile compounding laboratory in Benton, AR, allows our compounding pharmacists to create innovative medication dosing devices and use new drug delivery systems.
Each day, compounding pharmacists compound custom prescriptions for patients based on several key factors, such as:
- Allergies
- Availability of commercial prescriptions
- Dosage strength
- Alternative delivery forms, such as powders, creams, ointment or gels
- Flavoring, especially for children
Why Choose a Compounding Pharmacy?
There are many reasons why you would want a medication from a compounding pharmacy; if you or a loved one are sick and unable to swallow pills, a compounding pharmacist can compound a cream or rub that penetrates the skin and allows quick medication delivery.
Compounding pharmacists can also make prescriptions that do not contain dyes or ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction, and can add flavors to make your medicine more palatable. Additionally, compound pharmacies can tailor dosage strength and provide certain medications that have been discontinued.
Besides prescriptions for people, our compounding pharmacists are also able to compound flavored prescription medications for Fido—compounding medications with flavors such as beef, liver, and chicken, is no problem for our pharmacists. We can even make animal medications into a rub or gel that does not need to be swallowed.
What About Compounding Pharmacy Regulations?
Compounding pharmacies are required to adhere to standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia. This range of oversight helps customers trust that they are provided with safe, high-quality medications that meet their specific needs, and minimizes serious health risks.
Our compounding pharmacists are dedicated to providing the safest and most effective medications to the Benton area, and our state-of-the-art sterile lab surpasses the standards set by the US Pharmacopeia.
Want more insight into the life of our compounding pharmacists? Stop by Smith-Caldwell Drug Store today or give us a call at 501-392-5470 and talk with one of our pharmacists. Our team in Benton, AR, will help you find the best delivery method for your medication.