Basics of compounding: basics of compounding with organic salts

The purity and form of all ingredients used in compounding, especially of active pharmaceutical ingredients, must be known and considered during formulation. When a prescription is received, it is the responsibility of the pharmacist, and should be routine procedure, to correctly determine whether or not the salt or base/acid form of a drug is to be used as the basis for the dose. This is important information because the bulk substance, or active pharmaceutical ingredient, in a salt form is not 100% active drug. The purpose of the salt form is usually to enhance the solubility of the drug, but it may also enhance and change other attributes of the drug that make it easier to handle and manipulate for producing dosage forms. Resources for the purpose of determining this information include the United States Pharmacopeia, product package insert, and a call to the manufacturer or physician as appropriate. This article discusses compounding with salts and the factors that may affect a final compounded preparation.