Capsules:

• Medication can be compounded into customized capsules, especially in cases where an alternate strength is required or to omit potential allergens or irritants, such as dyes, preservatives, or gluten.

• To lessen the number of doses to be taken, multiple medications often can be combined into a single dosage or made into sustained-release capsules.

• Vegetarian capsules made from cellulose are available for patients who do not want to take a gelatin capsule.

Oral Liquids:

• Many medications can be compounded as oral liquids for those patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules.

• Some patients may have problems tolerating the taste of a commercially available liquid, but a compounding pharmacist can make a pleasant-tasting, custom-flavored oral solution or suspension which can be administered easily and accurately.

Troches and Lollipops:

• Troches and lollipops are used to keep drugs in the mouth when local action is needed.

• Troches are a type of lozenge that also may be placed between the cheek and gum until they are dissolved, which allows the medication to enter the bloodstream quickly and easily.

• Some troches can be chewed and swallowed by a patient who cannot or will not take a capsule or tablet.

• These dosage forms can be enhanced with natural sweeteners and pleasant-tasting flavors, making them ideal for geriatric and pediatric patients.

Topical/Transdermal Preparations:

• Topical and transdermal methods of delivery, which include gels, creams, lotions, sprays, foam and stick applicators (such as lip balms), allow the absorption of medicine directly through the skin, and may help avoid potential side effects such as stomach upset or drowsiness.

• These medications often are prescribed for pain management, inflammation, nausea/vomiting, and chronic illness. 

• Topical/Transdermal preparations are easy to use and are effective delivering the medication directly to the affected site. 

Suppositories:

• Patients who cannot take medications orally are ideal candidates for compounded suppositories. Available in various shapes depending on the route of administration, suppositories can be given rectally, vaginally or urethrally.

• Unique designs such as the "rectal rocket" allows simultaneous internal and external medication administration.

• By melting or dissolving into the body cavity, they allow the medication to pass quickly into the bloodstream.

• They can be used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to fight nausea, or to treat local conditions such as hemorrhoids, infections, or inflammation.

Powder "Puffers":

• Devices known as insufflators are used to apply an extremely fine dry powder to the nose, throat, ears or other body cavities, or topically for wounds.

• By squeezing a bulb, you can direct a powdered medication through a nozzle for direct application.

• Dry powder insufflators provide treatment quickly, and can minimize adverse reactions by releasing small, accurate dosages.

• They are often used in the treatment of earaches and are ideal for treating ear infections in pets.