Industry News

 

ANIMAL MEDICINE

One time treatment for ear infections in canines: Pluronic otic vehicle

A pluronic otic vehicle can be compounded for the treatment of your dog’s ear infection. This prescription is a one time dose that continues to work for as long as 5 days! (A repeat dose may be administered if necessary.) Pluronic otic vehicles are designed to best target the source of your dog’s ear infection. A dog’s ear anatomy is different than a human’s, and ear drops may flow out of the ear and not get deep enough to cure the infection. What is unique about this new vehicle is that it is a liquid suspension before administered, but once inside the dog’s ear it will warm and become a gel. This gel will penetrate deep into the ear canal and will not flow back out of the ear. It is also absorbed quickly after the gel forms with no need to wash anything out. Compounds can be made for prescription antibiotics, antifungals and/ or steroids. For more information speak to your veterinarian or feel free to contact us here at the Village Compounding Pharmacy.

HUMAN MEDICINE

Compounded prescriptions for Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are characterized by painful defecation, rectal bleeding, and spasm of the internal anal sphincter. Previously, the only treatment was surgical intervention. However, there are now some topical prescriptions that can be compounded for those suffering from this condition. Nitroglycerin, Nifedipine, and Diltiazem are three medications usually used for their beneficial effects on the heart in such conditions as high blood pressure and chest pain. Studies have also shown their benefits in the treatment of anal fissures. A study comparing Nitroglycerin to placebo showed 68 % of those treated with Nitroglycerin had healed anal fissures by the end of 8 weeks compared to only 8% of those treated with placebo.

Nitroglycerin is usually supplied as an ointment at a strength of 0.2%. Nifedipine can be supplied as an ointment or a cream at 0.2%, 0.5%, and 2% alone or in combination with an anesthetic, Lidocaine. Diltiazem can be made into an ointment or a cream at a strength of 2%. These medications should be applied as directed by a physician often 2 to 4 times a day. When applying these ointments a finger cot, glove, or Q tip should be used so the medication is not absorbed into the hands, and one should also wash hands before and after administration. Headache, dizziness, and flushing are the most commonly seen side effects.

Low dose Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication used for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. It works as an opioid antagonist, binding to certain receptors which prevents or blocks natural opiates or opioid drugs from binding there. The usual dosing for this drug in the treatment of dependence is 50 mg daily. At lower doses though, there may be benefit of Naltrexone in several other conditions.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own central nervous system. Symptoms of MS vary from person to person, but common symptoms including fatigue, weakness, and walking difficulty can impact one’s daily life. Research has been published indicating that Naltrexone at a dose of 4.5 mg daily significantly improved MS patients’ quality of life as seen through higher scores in mental health quality of life indices.

Crohn’s Disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of this inflammation include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea or constipation. Some trials found that 4.5 mg daily of Naltrexone led to improvement of these symptoms and reduction of inflammation. Further research is currently being conducted to evaluate this in a larger sample size.

Another condition in which low dose Naltrexone may be helpful is chronic pruritus or itch. Compounded prescriptions can be made for oral or topical preparations for relief of itching. Naltrexone at the low doses used for the above conditions has few side effects. Difficulty sleeping may occur during the first week of use. This drug should not be used in pregnant patients or in those chronically taking opioid medications as Naltrexone would reverse the effects of such drugs.