DESCRIPTION:

This activity affords the student pharmacist the opportunity to complete master formulation records, while preparing compounded medications in the form of topical gels and capsules. The student pharmacist will recognize and utilize methods to ensure accurate metered-dosing when preparing compounded medications. Emphasis is on the management of the master formulation record, ensuring completeness of recordings and consistency in performance.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Prepare two compounded medications from established master formulation records; topical gels and oral capsules are featured.
  • Discuss the importance of implementing a set of rules to ensure dosing accuracy, precision, and repeatability.
  • Review preparatory procedures specific to capsule shell filling and how to ensure, and test for, equitable distribution of a homogeneous powder blend.
  • Evaluate preparatory procedures for variable compositions specific to gels, i.e., solutions and suspensions.
  • Assess the impact of active pharmaceutical ingredient solubility, concentration, and displacement characteristics in a mixture.
  • Address labelling and packaging requirements for topical compounded medications and capsules.
  • Identify handling and storage requirements for topical compounded medications and capsules.
  • Assign beyond-use dates for compounded medications in accordance with standards of practice.
  • Verify compounded medications for their required qualitative and quantitative parameters through internal and external testing. 
  • Validate the accuracy, precision, and repeatability of three critical determinants of a compounded medication’s efficacy, reliability, and validity: the master formulation record’s detailing, the metered-dose dispensing technology, and human performance measures.
  • Manage the verification process for finished compounded preparations, ensuring identity, strength, and stability.