Compounding for Dentistry - Fluoride Drops

Published: New Bulletin Australian Dental Association. Edition: August 2010

Author: Jenny Giam

Compounding is the preparation for medicines for the specific needs of a patient and is a traditional role of pharmacists. It may involve preparation of a medicine from the pure pharmaceutical grade ingredients or using a commercially manufactured product as the starting point.

In Australia, therapeutic goods must be registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). However, medicines prepared by a pharmacist for a specific patient are exempt from this requirement.

Although compounded medicines are required less often now as more commercially manufactured products have become available, there are still many reasons a patient may need a compounded medicine. Some reasons include:

The manufacturer discontinues production or sale of a product

The required medicine is unavailable

A difference dose or dosage form is needed

The patient is allergic or sensitive to one of the ingredients in a medicine

The patient dislikes the taste of a medicine

Although all pharmacists learn basic compounding skills at university, some pharmacist have chosen to specialise in the practice of compounding. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Board of Australia have standards for compounding that pharmacists are required to meet when compounding medicines. By specialising in compounding, pharmacists are able to invest in the ingredients, equipment, facilities, training and processes required to prepare quality medicines.

One example of a product that is no longer available is fluoride drops or capsules fgor protection against tooth decay. Although fluoridated water is available in most areas of Australia, in areas without fluoridation, fluoride drops or capsules may be required. A compounding pharmacist is able to prepare sodium fluoride oral drops or capsules on the advice of your dentist. The drops or capsules can then be added to water to be used for domestic consumption.

PCCA Pty Ltd is licensed by the TGA to supply ingredients for compounding pharmacists. PCCA also provides training and technical support to member compounding pharmacies. For your nearest PCCA compounding pharmacy call 1300 722 269.