Lorraine's Pharmacy - Compounding

Compounding

Compounding Types

Capsules

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.

How do we compound your capsules?

	Calculating a Formula Depending on the drug(s) and the dosage to be included in the capsule, the pharmacist will determine the size of capsule to be used and calculate the amounts of filler and coloring to use.
	Weighing Ingredients Each individual ingredient is carefully weighed on a prescription weigh scale.
	Mixing of Ingredients The powders are mixed to a homogenous mixture, most often with a mortar and pestle.
	Powder Mix Onto Capsule Machine The powder mix is placed on top of the capsule machine.
	Powder Put into Capsules A plastic spatula is used to carefully spread the powder mix and drop it down into the capsule bases. A small device consisting of several "pegs" on a handle is used to tamp the powder into the capsule bases gently and evenly. These procedures are repeated until all of the powder is in the capsules.
	Capsules Put Together The capsule caps are fitted over the machine, fixed in place, and the capsules removed.
	Packaging The capsules are dusted using a clean cloth, checked for accuracy, and then packaged into plastic amber prescription bottles where they are labeled appropriately for the patient they were compounded for. Lot number and expiry date are noted and any special storage instructions are included.