Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment of modern compounding has been the explosive growth in available compounded dosage forms of medications. At Lorraine's Pharmacy, using the latest in compounding technology, we are able to custom-prepare your medication in the most appropriate form for you. Examples of dosage forms we have compounded include capsules, suspensions, syrups, elixers, ear drops, creams, ointments, gels, lotions, transdermal gels/creams, vaginal creams, enemas, mouth rinses, lollipops, puddings, freezies, medication sticks, suppositories, troches/lozenges, nasal sprays, etc. On the left side of this page you will find links to descriptions and photos of a few of the most popular dosage forms that we compound on a regular basis.

Undoubtedly the most popular compounded dosage form is the capsule. With access to pure powdered forms of thousands of drug entities, compounding pharmacists can prepare a multitude of both single and multi-ingredient capsules, in a variety of dosages, colors, and sizes to suit the needs of the individual patient. As well, for those with allergies to certain fillers or colors, the pharmacist can compound capsules without the offending agents. As well, special ingredients can be used to make slow release capsules or enteric-coated capsules when required.

This is a popular dosage form in pediatrics, geriatrics, and for those who have difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms. Due to the fact that many drug products are not commercially available as oral liquids, the compounding pharmacist is often asked to compound oral liquid dosage forms. A variety of dosages and flavors can often be prepared.

Topical dosage forms have been around for thousands of years, primarily to deliver a drug into the skin for various disorders. In more recent years, compounding pharmacists have compounded transdermal formulations as well. Whether to use a cream, ointment, gel, or lotion depends upon both the degree of skin penetration of the medication that is desired as well as the characteristics of the skin to which the product is being applied.

Lozenges (a.k.a. troches) are used for patients who cannot swallow solid oral dosage forms as well as for medications designed to be released slowly to yield a constant level of drug in the oral cavity or to bathe the throat tissues in a solution of the drug. Drugs often incorporated into lozenges include analgesics, anesthetics, antimicrobials, antiseptics, antitussives, aromatics, astringents, corticosteroids, decongestants, and demulcents. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list as many other drugs may lend themselves to delivery by a lozenge. As well, both single and multi-ingredient lozenges can be compounded, depending on the particular patient's needs.

Suppositories are solid dosage forms that melt, soften, or dissolve in a body cavity. Although not often the first choice for a dosage form by the patient, there is no disputing that suppositories are very useful for administering drugs to infants and children, severely debilitated patients, and for those whom an avoidance of oral or injectable products is desired. Their benefits can be local in nature (ex. hemorrhoid treatment) or systemic (ex. analgesics, antibiotics, hormones, antinauseants) and can be formulated into either single or multiple-ingredient suppositories.