Currently, many patients take medicine in the form of tablets or capsules. While these are convenient and easy to mass produce, they are not easy for everyone to take. Compounding Pharmacists are making an effort to create alternate methods of oral medicine.

Compounding is the act of forming a dosage of medication by a pharmacist using specialized techniques and ingredients for each prescription. Compounding only happens after there has been a consultation with the patient and their physician to achieve the correct form of medicine. This makes medicine easier to take and also helps if the patient has unique allergies. Compounding can include medicine forms such as oral liquids, medicated lollipops, frozen popsicles, and chewable gummies among many others.

While many people use lozenges for a sore throat or to help with cold symptoms, many other medicines can be turned into lozenges or lollipop suckers on a stick, or even formed onto a liquid to be placed in a special baby’s pacifier. Colors and flavors are added to make the medication easier to take, especially for children. A lollipop would be helpful to distribute topical medication to areas in the mouth and on the tongue. Also consider its benefits for oral numbing agents for sore throats or topical dental pain.

Another option for other forms of medicine doses includes the flavored frozen Popsicle. The Popsicle would be ideal for children or older patients who have trouble swallowing pills. They are offered in many colors and flavors. One Popsicle would be a full dosage of the medication. While we have seen vitamins offered in chewable forms and many different colors and flavors, this option can now expand toward medication. Many pharmacies are offering medication in the form of gummy bears, which can help mask the medicinal taste.

Another unique option for oral medication delivery is an effervescent powder. These are packets of flavored, medicated powders that fizz when combined with water. The patient adds all the powder from one packet to the water; the bubbles that are formed along with the flavoring help to cover the taste of the medicine. This form of medicine is beneficial for children or those that have difficulty swallowing pills and capsules.

Of course, compounding pharmacists can also offer medicines made in capsule form, or a liquid that has additional flavoring. Compounding medicine also has benefits in the ways of pet doses. Animal medicines can be helpful in powder forms or flavored treats. Other forms of compounding include creams, lotions, and gels that are applied topically and absorbed through the patient’s skin.

Compounding is proving itself in the medical field, making it easier for patients who have special needs to get the proper medication. If you, your child, or even your pet needs medicine in a unique form, talk to your pharmacist about contemporary dosage forms such as these. It might be easier than you think to get the medicine you need in a form that works best for you or your family member.

Caffeinated Content