Basics of Compounding: Compounding Nonsterile Preparations Using Cyclodextrins

Complexation is a powerful therapeutic as well as a pharmaceutical tool. Many categories of medications contain complexes which aid in the stabilization and solubilization of the drugs they contain. Many also contain complexes which are useful for treating poisonings, increasing pharmacological activity, improving drug distribution, and enhancing bioavailability. Complexation is applied effectively during pharmaceutical formulation to solubilize and stabilize, as well as to decrease the taste or odor of drugs. This article discusses compounding with an emphasis on the cyclodextrins used as excipients in nonsterile preparations.