Is Compounding Better For Pediatric Prescriptions?

Filling a prescription can feel like a fairly mundane process. A person takes a prescription to the pharmacy, the pharmacist fulfills it, and the individual leaves with the necessary medication. However, sometimes, that routine chain of events might not work for every individual. In particular, some populations might need the help of a compounding pharmacy. A compounding pharmacist can help in tricky situations, especially when fulfilling pediatric prescriptions. Here are a few examples of when to consider compounding over traditional medication formats.

Trouble taking medicine

Depending on the age of a child, certain medications may already be available in formulations that are easier for younger kids to swallow. For example, fever reducers are often offered in liquid form as opposed to the pills given to older children and adults. However, sometimes, a medication may need to be compounded to mask an unpleasant flavor. Whereas an adult will often power through and consume medication that tastes bad, children can’t be expected to do the same. As long as the altered state doesn’t interfere with the medication’s efficacy, caregivers shouldn’t be afraid to ask a compounding pharmacist if altering the flavor of medications is possible.

To avoid allergies

People can have a variety of allergies to commonly found ingredients, including children. Even though filler ingredients are routinely used in medications, potential adverse reactions can make taking such formulas dangerous. For example, a child with an intolerance for lactose, gluten, or even dye may need to avoid the traditional format of some medications. By working with a compounding pharmacy, caregivers can request reformulations that are free from ingredients that might create allergic reactions.

Filling multiple prescriptions

Sometimes, children need to take multiple medications. Regardless of the reason, the process of consuming multiple items one after another can be irritating for young kids and frustrating for caregivers. To avoid such an uncomfortable experience, consider having medications combined into customized blends. In so doing, children can simply take one dosage that contains all the necessary prescriptions. However, caregivers should know that not all drugs can be safely combined. Consider speaking with a compounding pharmacist to determine what prescriptions can be blended to lower the total number of daily doses needed.

For discontinued medication

Sometimes traditional pharmacies stop carrying certain medications. Frequently, the reason is because a product is no longer covered by most major insurers, or the manufacturer is phasing out an old formula to release a newer option. Unfortunately, some people cannot simply switch to a competitor or generic version for a prescription. Such scenarios may be because the potency isn’t as strong, or the new formula may create complications. Working with a compounding pharmacy can solve the problem by creating the necessary medication that a child needs.

Know when to request compounding

Compounding can be a great solution for specific cases where traditional formats of medications are not effective. Whether because a child has difficulty taking specific formulations, is allergic to certain ingredients, or needs to consume several doses every day, a compounding pharmacy can offer working solutions for the above common issues. Caregivers concerned about filling prescriptions for children with unique medication needs should consider speaking with a compounding pharmacist.