What is Compounding?
The compounding of medications is an age-old art dating back as far as the ancient
Egyptians. A compounding pharmacist uses raw chemicals, powders and special equipment to
make medications. This results in a customized medication made by a pharmacist according
to a doctor’s directions to meet an individual patient need.
Why do I Need Compounded Medications?
A compounding pharmacist is a problem-solver working with the patient and physician to
gain a positive therapeutic outcome. The profession of pharmacy has always been based on
this triad relationship. There are many reasons to use compounded medications, including
the following:
Need for varied dosage form (liquid vs. tablet or capsule)
Strength needed not commercially available
Patient allergic to dyes or fillers
Medication of choice has been discontinued
Problem not responding to conventional treatment
Bad taste prohibits patient from taking medication
Difficulty or inability to swallow
Need to incorporate more than one drug in a dosage form
What Dosage Forms are Available?
At Mixtures Pharmacy, we have the ability to customize the dosage forms of your
medications, making them easier to administer. We compound the following dosage forms:
- Capsules: Extended release formulations
- Emollient Cream: Helpful for dermatological conditions
- Gummy Gels & Chewable forms: great with kids
- Lip Balm Applicators: Super for spot application
- Lollipops: Convenient dosage form for extended delivery and local effect
- Otic Medications: PLO Transdermal Gel, Great alternative to oral forms
- Troches & Lozenges that dissolve in the mouth
What Flavors Can I Choose From?
Our pharmacists understand that each patient has special needs, and unique likes and
dislikes. That is why we have a choice of many flavors and colors to match to customize
medications. We want to make it easy for everyone (children, adults, and even animals)
to take needed medications as directed. The patient can choose from one of our 150
different flavors (watermelon, root beer, grape, raspberry, etc.). We can also flavor
medication for your 4-legged family member. Working together with your doctor, we can
even change the dosage form from a liquid to a “gummy square,” lollipop, freezer pop or
lozenge! Many times, as people age or develop a chronic illness, their taste preferences
can change. Sweetness may no longer be tolerable. Coffee or bitter flavors, or perhaps
no flavor at all may be more pleasing. We compound dosage forms that make it easier to
take medication while at school or traveling, such as chewable troches or lozenges that
will not require refrigeration! Talk to our pharmacists and see what we can do for you.
What are Estrogens?
Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are predominately female hormones, and in adults, they
are important for maintaining the health of the reproductive tissues, breasts, skin and
brain. Excessive estrogens can cause fluid retention, weight gain, migraines and over
stimulation of the breasts, ovaries and uterus, leading to cancer. Insufficient estrogen
levels can lead to hot flushes, vaginal dryness, rapid skin aging, urinary problems,
excessive bone loss and possible acceleration of dementia. An excess of estrogen,
relative to testosterone, is thought to play a role in the development of prostate
problems in men. Most scientists now agree that by-products of estrogen metabolism are
the cause of both breast and prostate cancers.
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone can be thought of as a hormonal balancer, particularly of estrogens. It
enhances the beneficial effect of estrogens while preventing the problems associated
with estrogen excess. Progesterone also helps create a balance of all other steroids. It
also has intrinsic calming and diuretic properties. It is important in women, but its
importance in men for the maintenance of prostate health is only now being appreciated.
What are Androgens?
Testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione are considered androgens and they play an
important role in tissue regeneration, especially the skin, bones, and muscles. The
principal androgen in both men and women is DHEA. DHEA levels decline with age, and in
some cases, supplementation with DHEA can restore energy, improve immune function, lift
depression and improve mental function. Testosterone is involved in maintenance of lean
body mass, bone density, skin elasticity, sex drive and cardiovascular health in both
sexes. Men make more of this hormone, accounting for their greater bone and muscle mass.
Androstenedione is a precursor for both estrogens and testosterone, especially in
females. It can be produced in excess by the ovaries, especially during early menopause,
and can cause some of the “androgenic” symptoms such as scalp hair loss and facial hair
growth as well as acne along the chin.
What are Glucocorticoids?
Glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, are produced by the adrenal glands in response to
stressors such as emotional upheaval, exercise, surgery, illness or starvation. Cortisol
plays an essential role in immune function, mobilizing the body’s defenses against viral
or bacterial infection, and fighting inflammation; however, chronic elevated cortisol
levels suppress the action of the immune system and predispose to frequent infections.
Cortisol levels are highest first thing in the morning, to combat the stress of
overnight fasting and to animate the body for the day’s activities.
The brain derives most of its energy from glucose, so maintenance of adequate blood
levels is a top priority. After a period of fasting, cortisol output increases, and this
initiates catabolism, or the breakdown of protein into simple amino acids and their
conversion into glucose to feed the brain.
Chronic, excessive stress (emotional or physical), protein deficiency, and lack of
nutrients including Vitamins A,C and Pantothenic acid (B5) can cause the adrenal glands
to become exhausted, so that they can no longer produce adequate cortisol. This leads to
low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), excessive fatigue, and increased susceptibility to
infection.
Tightly coordinated production of adrenal glucocorticoids is essential for optimal
health. In normal individuals, the breakdown or catabolism of tissues by glucocorticoids
is followed by the building up or anabolism of tissues by androgens. As we grow older,
an excess of catabolic hormones over anabolic hormones develops, and this is in part
responsible for the aging of all the body tissues, and the loss of our ability to repair
damaged tissue. The same thing happens under chronic, excessive stress, and contributes
to premature aging. Stress can literally burn our bodies out prematurely.