Compound pharmacies create customized medications based on the patient's individual needs. They work under the advice of each patient's physician to make specialized medications that can best treat specific health conditions. While retail pharmacies can provide a wide selection of medications to successfully treat a variety of different health conditions, there are some patients that benefit more from having their medications made in a compound pharmacy. These are some of the ways compound pharmacies are beneficial. 

Customized Doses

Many medications are only commercially available in a few different dosages. For instance, some pain medications are only manufactured in 100, 200, 325, 500, or 1000 milligram doses per pill. However, some patients may need a specific dosage other than those readily available to treat their health condition. Compound pharmacies start with a base medication and can create a customized dosage for the patient. Therefore, if a patient needs a 225-milligram dose of a certain pain medication, this can be created in a compound pharmacy.

Customized Medication Forms

Compound pharmacies are also able to create medications in a variety of different forms. If a patient has trouble swallowing pills, the same medication can be made in a liquid form. It is not uncommon for compound pharmacies to create many of the same medications that are in either tablet, capsule, liquid, ointment, or cream forms. This is especially helpful for those who suffer from digestive problems when taking an oral form of pain medication. The same medication can be made into an ointment form and applied directly to the area of the body that needs pain relief.

Specialty Drugs

Compound pharmacies also create specialty medications that retail pharmacies may not normally sell. This may include medications for children or the elderly that might normally be difficult to get them to take. These medications can be made so they can be easily mixed with food or drinks without having an unpleasant flavor. Compound pharmacies can also create medications prescribed by veterinarians as well. Not only do compound pharmacies have medications for humans, but they also have medications for pets.

Compound pharmacies create a huge selection of different types of medications. While not every medication that is on the commercial market may be available yet, many compound pharmacies can provide medication to treat nearly any health condition. These pharmacies are sometimes located inside hospitals so that medications can be mixed and provided quickly for patients who are severely ill. Contact a compounding service for more information.