ClearSpring Pharmacy Horizontal Logo

Dosage Forms

Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

One of the best capabilities of a compounding pharmacy is the ability to change the dosage form of medications. If a patient is unable to take, has not responded to, or experienced adverse effects from commercially available medications, numerous options exist. We can compound the needed drugs into different dosage forms, such as cosmetically appealing creams, ointments, transdermal gels, topical sprays and powders, or troches. We can place the needed medication into the dosage form or base which is most suitable to treat a specific problem. For example, a lollipop can be just perfect for keeping an antibiotic or antifungal in contact with an infected area in the mouth.

Types of Dosage Forms

Our compounding professionals can provide additional therapeutic options by preparing needed medication in alternate dosage forms such as a troche, suppository or transdermal gel, eliminating the need to swallow tablets or capsules, or the discomfort and inconvenience of injections. They opposite preference may also be true, if a patient does not want to take a liquid for as medication and would rather opt for a capsule, our compounding pharmacy is able to make that change. There are 3 main dosage forms for medications:

Solid Forms

These include medications taken orally such as capsules, troches, and lollipops. They can dissolve in the mouth, digest in the stomach, or be absorbed through the anal cavity. Below are the different solid forms of medication.

Troches & Mini-Troches

Troches are lozenges that can be placed between the cheek and gum to dissolve, allowing medication to be absorbed through the oral mucosa. They are comparable to hard candy in consistency and size. Troches can be flavored and are great for people who have difficulty swallowing medication. For smaller doses, mini-troches can also be made in our lab.

Rapid Dissolve Tablets (RDTs)

Another great option for people who have a difficult time swallowing capsules or pills. Rapid dissolve tablets do exactly what they name implies and dissolve in the mouth within seconds. The medication goes directly into the blood stream from the mouth and avoids the stomach. Not many compounding pharmacies are able to make RDTs!

Lollipops

Lollipops are a very popular form of administering medication. This method of delivering medication makes sense for preventing pain in the mouth and throat. This includes healing after oral procedures such as root canals or tonsillectomies. They are also a great option for children who are averse to other forms of medication. We carry tetracaine lollipops in stock for any immediate needs.

Suppositories

Suppositories are a traditional alternative dosage form. Unique designs such as the “rectal rocket” facilitate simultaneous internal and external administration of medications to treat hemorrhoids and other conditions.

Capsules

A tried and true form of medication. We can compound capsules with the medication you need and without the fillers that may cause irritation. We also have different sizes of capsules depending on your needs and may create capsules that combine two or more of your medications. This can reduce the number of pills taken in a day and increase medication adherence.

Semi-Solid Forms

These medications include creams, gels, and foams. They are normally applied transdermally and absorbed through the skin. Hormones, wound healing, and pain medications are often prescribed through this method. Below are the different semi-solid forms we offer:

 

Creams & Ointments

We utilize specialized equipment, such as an ointment mill, that allows us to compound formulations containing much higher concentrations of active ingredients than can be prepared using traditional methods.

Gels

Gels work similarly to creams and ointments but are a bit thicker. This allows the medication to be present for long on the surface where it is applied. Gels can also be used orally to reduce pain or infection after dental procedures.

Foams

Foams are a softer and applied transdermally. Foams provide a larger surface area for the drug to take effect. Some clients may have a preference for foam, though it is not functionally different from other semi-solid forms of medication.

Liquid

Liquid forms are made to be ingested or sprayed nasally. These solutions may be customized for taste and consistency preferences. See below for the liquid medications we provide:

Suspension and Solutions

Elixirs, syrups, and suspensions may contain preservatives such as alcohol which can cause reactions or gastrointestinal irritation, or sugar which makes the medication undesirable for patients with diabetes. Our compounding specialists can prepare sugar‐free and preservative‐free dosage forms. If a patient is allergic to a dye or other excipient or has lactose intolerance, we can compound the medication without the problem‐causing additives.

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays are great for seasonal allergies and ENT conditions. These sprays allow for application directly to the affected area. This also may reduce the amount of drug that the patient absorbs systemically and may reduce the risk of side effects. Taking lower doses is helpful for drugs such as ketamine and naltrexone

Injectable Sterile Solutions

It is crucial for injectable medications to be completely sterile. Injections bypass our digestive system and other defenses our body implements. We are one of few compounding pharmacies that have the capability to make completely sterile compounds. Our PCAB accreditation shows how our state-of-the-art lab follows necessary and strict sanitary guidelines.

Don’t See a Form You Like? Reach Out to Us!

Above are the main forms that we provide for our clients, but we have the capability to make almost anything other compounding pharmacies can make. If there is a type of medication that you are interested in, please feel free to reach out! Simply fill out the form on this page. We have two lovely locations that you can call in Cherry Creek and Littleton.

You can also text our lines directly:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

Check out our social media platforms for interesting videos of the lab and don’t hesitate to reach out!