Pediatric Compounding Pharmacy

Taking Medication is No Picnic for Kids

Mom and Dad know best. That’s why you ensure that your kids have the right medications to make them well again when they get sick. Whether it’s a chest infection, allergies, or a long-term condition like asthma, taking the right medication can help your child to be their healthy, active selves again quickly.

Adults understand that taking medication is necessary, but kids just don’t always see it the same way- and it’s hard to blame them sometimes. Medication tastes bad, is difficult to swallow, or produces undesired side effects can make little ones begin to dread medication time – and that can make giving your kids medication become a battle.

A Pediatric Compounding Pharmacy Can Help!

Pediatric compounding refers to the practice of customizing medications specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of children. Unlike commercially available medications, which often come in standardized dosages and forms, compounded can create medications that are personalized to address factors such as a child’s age, weight, allergies, and preferences.

The primary purpose of pediatric compounding is to overcome the challenges commonly encountered in administering medications to children. These challenges may include limited availability of suitable dosage forms, taste preferences, and the need for precise dosing adjustments. By offering customized solutions, pediatric compounding aims to enhance medication adherence, effectiveness, and overall therapeutic outcomes in pediatric patients.

The Benefits of Pediatric Compounding

A pediatric compounding pharmacy provides a range of advantages tailored to meet the specific needs of young patients.

Customization of Medications

• Formulated according to individual patient requirements, accommodating factors such as age, weight, and medical condition.
• Ensures optimal therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions or side effects.
• Offers alternative dosage forms, such as oral suspensions, flavored liquids, chewable tablets, or transdermal gels, enhancing medication adherence and efficacy.

Improved Compliance and Administration

• Addresses challenges related to medication administration in children, particularly those who struggle with swallowing pills or tablets.
• Provides dosage forms that are easier for children to take, promoting greater adherence to prescribed treatment regimens.
• Reduces the risk of treatment failure or disease progression by encouraging consistent medication use.

Allergy and Sensitivity Considerations

• Offers allergen-free formulations and personalized medications, free from unnecessary additives.
• Selects hypoallergenic ingredients and avoids common allergens, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.
• Ensures the safety and tolerability of medications for pediatric patients with sensitivities or allergies, instilling confidence in caregivers and healthcare providers.

Availability of Alternative Dosage Forms

Pediatric compounding provides a vital solution for children who require medications in forms that are not readily available commercially. One of the key advantages of pediatric compounding is the availability of alternative dosage forms, which offer flexibility in medication administration and enhance medication compliance even in pediatric patients.

For children who have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets, alternative dosage forms such as oral suspensions, flavored liquids, and chewable tablets provide convenient options that are easier to administer. These liquid formulations can be flavored with appealing tastes to mask unpleasant flavors, making them more palatable and encouraging children to take their medications without resistance.

Additionally, pediatric compounding offers alternative routes of administration, such as transdermal gels, suppositories, and troches, which provide effective delivery of medication without the need for oral ingestion. This flexibility allows healthcare providers to select the most suitable dosage form based on the individual needs and preferences of each child, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Conditions Treated with Pediatric Compounding

Pediatric compounding is utilized to address a wide range of medical conditions commonly encountered in children, spanning from common childhood ailments to chronic conditions requiring long-term management.

Common Childhood Ailments

For common childhood ailments such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and skin conditions, pediatric compounding provides tailored solutions in the form of topical creams, oral suspensions, and inhalation solutions. These customized medications are formulated to alleviate symptoms effectively while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, ensuring the comfort and well-being of pediatric patients.

Chronic Conditions

In cases of chronic conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, ADHD, and cystic fibrosis, pediatric compounding plays a crucial role in optimizing medication therapy to achieve symptom control and improve quality of life. Customized formulations of inhalation medications, antiepileptic drugs, stimulants, and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy are prepared to meet the specific needs of each child, taking into account factors such as appropriate dosage form, frequency of administration, and route of delivery.

Compounding Pharmacist Expertise and Training

Central to the pediatric compounding process is the expertise and training of pharmacists who specialize in this field. Pediatric compounding pharmacists undergo rigorous education and training to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to formulate customized medications for pediatric patients.

Pharmacists specializing in pediatric compounding are well-versed in the unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications in children of different age groups, from infants to adolescents. They possess a deep understanding of pediatric dosage calculations, compatibility of ingredients, and formulation techniques to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Furthermore, pediatric compounding pharmacists stay abreast of the latest research, guidelines, and regulatory requirements governing pediatric compounded medication therapy. They collaborate closely with healthcare providers, including pediatricians, pediatric specialists, and other members of the healthcare team, to ensure that compounded medications are safe, effective, and tailored to each child’s individual requirements.

FAQs About Pediatric Compounding

Pediatric compounding is a specialized practice in pharmacy aimed at providing customized medications for children. Here are some frequently asked questions about pediatric compounding pharmacies:

1. Why is Pediatric Compounding Necessary?

Commercially available medications may not always meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. Children often require smaller doses, different dosage forms, or allergen-free formulations that may not be readily available. Pediatric compounding fills this gap by providing personalized medication solutions for children of all ages.

2. What Types of Medications Can Be Compounded for Children?

Pediatric compounding can be used to prepare a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, antifungals, antacids, and medications for chronic conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, and ADHD. Compounded medications can be customized in various dosage forms, including oral suspensions, flavored liquids, chewable tablets, and transdermal gels.

3. How is Pediatric Compounding Different from Commercial Medications?

Pediatric compounding differs from commercial medications in several ways. Compounded medications are customized to meet the individual needs of each child, whereas commercial medications come in standardized dosages and forms. Compounded medications also offer alternative dosage forms, allergen-free options, and personalized dosages that may not be available commercially.

4. Is Pediatric Compounding Safe?

Pediatric compounding is performed by trained pharmacists in compliance with strict quality standards and regulations. Pharmacists carefully select ingredients, perform quality control checks, and maintain detailed records to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of compounded medications for children.

Choose Burt’s Pharmacy!

If your child requires specialized medication therapy, consider exploring pediatric compounding options. By partnering with a reputable compounding pharmacy like Burt’s Pharmacy, you can access customized medications tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Burt’s has locations in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Villlage, Ventura, and Moorpark.

Contact us today at any of our locations to learn more about how we can assist you in meeting your child’s customized medication and needs and promoting their health and well-being.