Extemporaneous Compounding and Safety in Pharmacy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to extemporaneous compounding, including definitions, processes, and important distinctions in pharmacy practice.

Extemporaneous Compounding

The preparation, mixing, assembling, packaging, or labeling of a drug or device based on specific patient needs instead of for mass distribution.

NABP Model State Pharmacy Act

Defines the standards for the practice of compounding pharmacists and establishes the criteria for drug preparation.

Therapeutic Outcome

The final result or effect of a medical treatment, aimed at achieving a positive impact on patient health.

Compounding Pharmacist

A licensed pharmacist who prepares customized medications to meet individual patient needs.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension and helps dissolve water-insoluble drugs in compounding.

USP

United States Pharmacopeia; a standard setting organization that establishes guidelines for medicines.

Unsolicited Prescription

A prescription for compounding that is given without solicitation or request by the pharmacist.

Compounding vs Manufacturing

Compounding tailors medications for individual patients, while manufacturing produces drugs for mass market.

Bioequivalence

The term used to describe when two drugs release the same amount of active ingredient in the same time frame. (Brand/Generic plasma conc is the same)

Small Scale Preparation

Production of compounded drugs in small quantities tailored to individual needs.

Economic Considerations in Compounding

Factors affecting the range of drug dosages and forms available in compounding due to costs.

Specific Patient Needs

Unique requirements of an individual patient that may necessitate compounded medications.

Orphan Drugs

Medications developed for rare diseases affecting small populations, often compounded due to scarcity.

Customized Medications

Medications tailored specifically to an individual patient’s needs and conditions.

Dosage Form

The physical form of a medication, such as tablet, capsule, liquid, etc., which affects its delivery and absorption.

Delayed Release

A formulation designed to release medication at a specific time after administration.

Gastro-retentive Dosage Form

A type of formulation designed to remain in the stomach for an extended period to improve absorption.

Compounding Errors

Mistakes that occur during the preparation of compounded medications, which can lead to serious patient harm.

Safety Focus in Pharmacy

The emphasis on ensuring the safety and accuracy of compounded medications to prevent errors.

Recommended Practices in Compounding

Best practices such as verifying formulas and conducting safety checks during the preparation process.

Low-Carbohydrate Preparations

Compounded formulations designed specifically for patients requiring low carbohydrate intake.

Veterinary Compounding

The preparation of customized medications specifically formulated for animals, including pets and exotic species.

Palatable Liquid Medications

Custom formulations that improve taste to facilitate administration, especially for children.

Sustained-Release Therapy

A type of medication designed to release the active ingredient over an extended period.

Chronotherapeutics

Treatment targeting specific times for medication administration based on the body’s circadian rhythms.

Chemical Synthesis

The process of creating drugs through chemical reactions rather than extracting them from natural sources.

Legal Restrictions on Compounding

• Cannot be commercial product

• Prescription must be unsolicited

• Compounding of the prescription must be necessary

• Compounding product must be substantially different from commercially available products

• Do not compound for the physician’s office

• One can compound prior to receiving a prescription IF they have history of receiving prescriptions for a product and only in small quantities

3 main differences between manufacturing and compounding?

1. Physician-patient-pharmacist relationship

2. Quantity of product (Small amounts for a compounding pharmacist)

3. Compounding is limited to a prescription order while manufacturing is for public at large

How to improve therapeutic outcomes?

• Avoidance of unwanted dyes, preservatives, fillers and active ingredients

• Palatable liquid medications

• Administrable dosage forms

• Potential minimization or avoidance of side ffects

• Combination or sustaned0release therapy to improve compliance

• Unique dosage form for specific problems