Dosage Forms

Compounding allows a medicine to be prepared in a dosage form selected for an individual prescription. Depending on the medicine and what is suitable, options on this page include topical preparations, capsules, troches, suppositories and pessaries, suspensions and syrups, nasal sprays, and ear drops.

Topical Preparations

 

We create ointments, creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and paints from scratch, with each formulation tailored to a specific purpose.

Many of these preparations are designed for skin care and dermatological conditions, but topical treatments can also be used to deliver medication systemically. By carefully designing each formulation, we can influence how the active ingredient is absorbed through the skin, whether the goal is local treatment or whole-body effect.

Transdermal delivery is especially valuable in areas such as hormone therapy, pain management, and veterinary care.

In addition to topical preparations, we also develop specialised formulations for oral, rectal, and vaginal use.

Our topical dosage forms include:

  • Complex emulsions, ranging from light microemulsions to rich creams
  • Serums, available in oil and silicone bases
  • Single-phase and multi-phase lotions
  • Gels, prepared using a variety of gums and hydrocolloids
Visit our Dermatology Page for Details on our Topical Formulations

Capsules

 

Compounded capsules give patients and prescribers more control over treatment by offering options that standard medicines can\’t. We can create capsules that provide:

  • Precise, non-standard doses tailored to individual needs
  • Custom release rates – immediate-release or slow-release
  • Multiple actives in a single capsule for convenience
  • Allergen-free formulas – removing gluten, lactose, dyes, or other unwanted excipients

Example: The only Australian dexamfetamine tablets available contain gluten. We prepare gluten-free dexamfetamine capsules in either immediate- or slow-release form. For medicines that require tapering, where commercial sustained-release products can\’t be split, we make exact milligram doses to allow gradual dose reduction. Example: Desvenlafaxine, available only in 50 mg and 100 mg, can be compounded into slow-release capsules as low as 5 mg for safe weaning. Example: Duloxetine, only available in 30 mg and 60 mg, can be prepared in low-strength slow-release capsules for tapering. We can also:

  • Convert immediate-release medicines into sustained-release forms – and vice versa
  • Combine several medicines into a single capsule
  • Reduce dosing frequency by converting multiple daily doses into a sustained-release formula

Troches and Sublingual Lozenges

 

Troches are small lozenges placed under the tongue or between the gum and cheek, where the medicine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa.

They can also be used for a local effect inside the mouth. We also make chewable or gummy troches – sweetened and flavoured – to improve compliance, especially for children and pets. Our specially designed DiviTroQ® troches are scored into quarters, making it easy for patients to divide and adjust their dose accurately as prescribed.

Flavour options include: strawberry, raspberry, grape, banana crème, bubble gum, marshmallow, peppermint, spearmint, vanilla butternut, chocolate, orange, lemon, lime, and cherry.

Pet flavours: beef, chicken, tuna.

Suppositories and Pessaries

 

Suppositories are inserted rectally and are ideal for delivering medicines that are poorly absorbed through the gut, or when swallowing tablets is difficult. They can be used for:

  • Pain relief
  • Anti-nausea treatment
  • Hormone therapy

Pessaries are inserted vaginally to deliver medicines directly to the site, commonly for:

  • Infections
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Pelvic support needs

At St Mary Compounding Pharmacy, we customise these dosage forms to:

  • Reduce irritation by adjusting ingredients
  • Avoid dyes, preservatives, and common allergens
  • Use various bases for optimal absorption and comfort
  • Provide non-gelatin alternatives for patient preference

Customisation not only improves therapeutic outcomes but also enhances patient comfort and adherence. Commonly compounded examples include:

Suspensions and Syrups

 

Many medicines are not available in child-friendly forms, so we can convert tablets or capsules into pleasant-tasting suspensions. This is especially valuable:

  • During antibiotic shortages (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, septrin)
  • When commercial suspensions are discontinued (e.g., cefuroxime)
  • When no liquid version exists (e.g., nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim)

In addition to children’s medicines compounding, we also prepare oral liquids for precise dose adjustments, making it easier to taper doses up or down as required. Because taste is key to compliance, we offer an extensive flavour range for kids, including: strawberry, raspberry, grape, banana crème, bubble gum, marshmallow, peppermint, spearmint, vanilla butternut, chocolate, orange, lemon, lime, and cherry. We also compound veterinary suspensions without harmful additives such as xylitol, in either water- or oil-based carriers – and yes, taste matters for pets too! Pet-friendly flavours include beef, chicken, and tuna.

Nasal Sprays and Ear Drops

 

We compound nasal sprays and ear drops free from common allergens, preservatives, and irritants – customised to each patient’s needs. When commercial products are unavailable, we step in to ensure continuity of care, regularly preparing out-of-stock medicines such as Atrovent® nasal spray and Locacorten®-Vioform. We also specialise in veterinary formulations, including combination antibiotic/antifungal ear drops for canines, such as:
Enrofloxacin 1.5% + Ketoconazole 2% + Dexamethasone 0.1% ear drops.