Sterile Vs Non-Sterile Compounding
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Sterile compounding is used when handling medication that requires injections through an IV or to be administered through the eye, which requires extra care to avoid chances of infection.
Non-sterile compounding, which is the most common, requires fewer measures while still keeping the strict guidelines to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed, packaged and labeled. These include medications in pill form, liquids, ointments, gels, creams, shampoos, and more.
Compounding pharmacy VS retail pharmacy
- A compounding pharmacy offers customized and unique services that are not found at retail pharmacies. Pharmacists have the ability to modify the ingredients in a certain medication depending on allergies or other related intolerances, whereas retail pharmacy products, which are usually mass produced, provide a standard set of medications.
- Depending on a patient’s needs, compounding pharmacies can change the form of their medication, such as a pill to liquid, to make it easier to ingest.
- Compounding pharmacies customize the strength and dosage to fit their customers’ needs according to weight, height, and tolerance, and provide multiple ways for the medication to be made, including the ability to hide it in food or drinks for kids.
Types of Sterile Products
There are two main types of sterile products used by pharmaceutical companies.
- Injections
- Non-Injectable Sterile fluids
Injections are the sterile pharmaceutical handling products that are the most commonly used. They bypass the enteral routes such as the stomach and intestines, and go directly to the bloodstream.
Non-injectable sterile fluids include most products that would enter the eye such as eye drops and contact lens solution.
Non-Sterile Compounding Products
A few products that are made from non-sterile preparations.
• Medicated shampoos.
• Production of solutions
• Oral products with extended release
• Ointments
• Topical gels
• Medicated lip balms lotions
• Foams and creams.
With non-sterile compounding products, modifications can be made to fit a patient’s needs. This type of compounding is beneficial for therapeutic patients who need customized medication based on personal challenges to bring them comfort and ease.
