Compounding Medicine for Pets
Q: What is compounding medicine ? A: In a simple answer, compounding medicine is the manipulation of a drug beyond the described label on the drug. This may include mixing, diluting, concentrating, flavoring, or changing a drug’s dosage form. Examples of this can include mixing two injectable drugs, preparing a paste or suspension from crushed tablets, or even adding flavoring to a drug. Q: When is compounding necessary? A: This medical option becomes necessary when an animal is suffering from a condition and there is not an FDA-approved human or veterinary product available. An example of this could be a dog that needs a medication that is only available in a pill form. If the dog is unable to consume the medication for dietary or biological reasons, the veterinarian might have a drug compounded into a flavored liquid that the dog will then take. Q: How is compounding medication regulated? A: It’s regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and state governments. On the ...