Commercially available pharmaceuticals often fit the requirements of veterinary patients, but sometimes issues arise that impede an animal from taking the drug of choice. A veterinary pharmacy might specialize in individualized pharmaceutical therapies to address such dosing problems. Such facilities are called compounding pharmacies and are operated per state and federal regulations by specially trained pharmacists and technicians.

Compounding could be the extemporaneous preparation of a personalized pharmaceutical by prescription order from an authorized practitioner. Compounders work in a triad relationship between patient, practitioner, and pharmacist to troubleshoot medication problems and provide individualized therapy to market the specified healthcare outcome. In the veterinary realm, compounders can tailor-make drugs for all animals, except for food and food-producing animals per state and federal regulations. What kinds of animals might benefit from compounding? Pets, performance animals, work animals, rescued wildlife, exotics, and more.

Several factors, working singularly or in combination, can donate to patient noncompliance with the preferred pharmaceutical. A medication may have an unpalatable taste, texture, or scent. The route of administration may need tweaking (such as changing from a product to an oral liquid) or rerouting altogether (such as switching from a tablet to a transdermal gel). The most well-liked therapy might be on temporary back-order or manufacturer discontinued, or the commercially available drug could be too strong for smaller patients (available only in an unscored tablet that cannot be split accurately, for example). Last however, not least, the commercially available pharmaceutical might contain irritants or allergens that could be eliminated.

Some of the most frequently requested veterinary compounds include transdermal gels and palatable liquid medications containing substances like methimazole and metronidazole, prescribed often for hard-to-dose cats. Pergolide capsules for horses may also be in high demand. Potassium bromide capsules and solutions will also be frequently requested. Considering that the economic downturn, specialty pharmacies have been busy compounding pharmaceuticals which are FDA approved but on temporary back-order or manufacturer discontinued.

When selecting a veterinary compounding pharmacy, you ought to ask several questions. The length of time gets the pharmacy held it's place in business? Does it charge for shipping? Could be the facility licensed to dispense in your state? Does the pharmacy offer compound price matching? Does the pharmacy have a sterile clean room for compounding injectables and ophthalmics?

A veterinary compounding pharmacy could be a helpful partner for practitioners and patients in promoting desired health care outcomes through individualized pharmaceutical therapy.