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A better understanding of compound medication for animal use is helpful. Read all the details here.
If you are a pet owner then you are probably on the lookout for the safest and best treatment options for your pets. Today, we are going to discuss drug compounding and how it is one of the best options for your furry friends.
But first, let’s discuss what compounding is?
Drug compounding is essentially a process of mixing, altering, and combining the ingredients of a certain medication/medications to fit the needs of the individual animal/person. These drugs play a very important role in veterinary medicine. Compounded drugs for animals are made by veterinarians and pharmacists. The FDA only approves compounding drugs for meds when the active ingredient is approved by Food and Drug Administration.
Some Reservations
In the meds, a bulk drug substance is used for compounded medication, it becomes an active ingredient in the finalized form. However, it is important to note that animal drugs compounded from bulk substances are not approved by FDA and are not reviewed for safety and efficacy. If you wish to use a compounding drug for a food-producing animal; chicken, cows, etc, please note that FDA has yet to review evidence supporting conditions of use that protect against the drug residues. It is important to be notified that there is no medically appropriate drug approved by FDA for minor species to treat animals. However, an animal drug compounded from drug substances is sometimes a medically necessary treatment.
How is Compounding for Pharmacists Regulated?
It’s regulated by both the US FDA and state governments. FDA regulates compounding as a subpart of the Extralabel Drug Use rules. It generally defers day-to-day regulation of compounding by pharmacists and veterinarians. The state boards of pharmacy overview the pharmacy practices within states and state veterinary medical boards oversee the practice of all veterinary meds including prescriptions.
Common Forms of Compound Medication for Pets
Besides pet medication for transdermal delivery, compounding pharmacists are able to convert the medications into many different forms that include but are not limited to:
Chewable Pet Treats – Compounded pet medication can allow you to serve medication in the form of a tasty treat. It makes the medication administration simple and painless. Moreover, a compounding pharmacist will add flavor to medication which makes the entire process easier.
Custom Strength Medications – Oftentimes, a commercial medication will either be too strong or weak. A compounding pharmacist will adjust the strength of your medications to suit the needs of your pet.
Sugar-Free Medication for Diabetic Pets – Compounding pharmacists are well trained for diabetic pets. The sugar-free version of any compounding medications are available if that is the unique requirement of your pet.
Transdermal PLO Gels – You can also get compounding meds in gel forms. When the compounding medication is produced in this form, the gel can be rubbed gently into the skin and gets absorbed easily into the bloodstream.
Transdermal Medication – The topical treatment is made by suspending an active ingredient of a particular medication and converting it into a gel/cream. The transdermal medication can be rubbed into the hairless area of the pet such as the inner ear, where the active ingredient can be instantly absorbed. This type of medication is ideal for pets that simply refuse to take the pills.
Oral Capsules – Oral capsules combine several ingredients and create a new form of medication. The capsules are easier to be swallowed by pets as compared to other types of medications.
Flavored Suspensions – Flavors make medications more palatable for the pet. Popular flavors for enhancing the use of pet medications include chicken, fish, banana, peanut butter, and beef.
Compounded Tablets and Chewable Forms – They come in flavored forms that are designed to dissolve on the tongue. It is ideal for pets who are too sick to swallow. Softer chews are easy to administer than the pills as compared to treats.
Types of Conditions Compounded Medications Can Treat
Certain medications are available in the form of compounding. Here are some of the most commonly used drugs and their possible treatments:
Cisapride – It is used to treat GI motility disorders in animals; dogs and cats. Compounded drugs can be included in the form of an oral capsule, transdermal forms, and oral suspension.
Methimazole – It is used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. Many pet parents find compounded transdermal creams and oral suspensions easier to administer than oral tablets. Due to its bitter taste, many pets reject metronidazole pills into capsules, flavored suspensions, and chewable tablets.
Prednisolone – It is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat a variety of pet conditions such as autoimmune disorders and allergies. Most diseases that require prednisolone treatment are chronic. Compounding allows for easier, long-term dosing.
Potassium Bromide – It is an anti-seizure medication that helps manage canine and feline epilepsy. Potassium Bromide is available in the form of tablets and liquid suspension is easier to administer as compared to the tablet forms.
Final Takeaway
Compounding is reserved for cases where existing drug options are not successful or suited to the individual needs of the pet. It is a life-saving option for pets that is difficult to medicate or when other treatment options fail.
It is important to know that compounded drugs are offered by prescription only and must be approved by a veterinarian and a pharmacist. They are not generic drugs that are approved by FDA.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved because the drug is essentially changed to a different form. For instance, a gel is converted to a tablet or an oral suspension or vice versa. They are not monitored by FDA. Hence, the potency, safety, and efficacy can vary drastically. The best approach is to discuss your compounding options with a veterinarian who understands the unique needs of the pet and the device to create a great action plan. We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions, leave them down in the comments section below and we will get back to you.
Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for informational purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice.