International journal of pharmaceutical compounding
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Compounding pharmacists throughout the world are compounding a special type of capsule called "slow-release." This type of capsule is a compounding pharmacy application of the commercial hydrophilic matrix tablets. It is a relatively simple system that allows formulating a robust, reliable, and consistent drug system based on 30% w/w to 40% w/w of specific types of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The main purpose of these capsules is to attenuate the drug release when there is a clinical need and no commercial medication exists. ⋯ Since the pharmaceutical calculations needed to compound this preparation are time consuming, a suggestion of a faster way to perform these calculations by using a special Excel spreadsheet is provided. The article demonstrates a special table with a comparison between the specifications, results, and conclusions of the five in vitro trials that evaluated the pharmacokinetic rates of compounded slow-release capsules. The regulatory aspect of compounding slow-release capsules is also discussed.
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This article provides a discussion on the current problem of drug shortages within the U. S. and how compounded preparations serve as the only safe option as a source of medications during the crisis. Included are literature reviews concerning the reasons behind the increase in drug shortages and an update on the problem.
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The nonnarcotic nonaddictive neuropathic pain reliever ketamine, which was synthesized in the early 1960s by Parke-Davis, was first administered to human patients in 1965. Used by the U. S. military as a field anesthetic during the Vietnam War, it slowly became popular as both an induction and maintenance agent for the general anesthesia required during brief surgical procedures. ⋯ We found ketamine to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment for the triad of severe anxiety, chronic pain, and severe depression in a hospice patient with multiple comorbid conditions. To our knowledge, this report chronicles the first use of compounded oral ketamine for home-based palliative or hospice care in Louisiana. A formulation for a flavored oral ketamine solution is provided for easy reference.