In the world of pharmaceuticals, personalized medicine has gained significant attention in recent years. Tailoring medications to suit individual needs and preferences has become a crucial aspect of patient care. Compounding pharmacies play a vital role in this process by creating custom medications, and one particular dosage form that has gained popularity is the troche. Troches offer a unique and effective way to deliver medications, providing numerous benefits for patients. In this blog, we will explore troches, their composition, advantages, and their relationship to compounding medicine.
A troche, also known as a lozenge or pastille, is a small, disc-shaped dosage form designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Troches can be made using various bases such as sugar, gelatin, or other inert ingredients. These bases provide stability to the medication and contribute to the slow release of the active ingredients.
Compounding pharmacies play a pivotal role in the production of troches. Compounding is the art and science of preparing personalized medications to meet unique patient needs. Compounded troches allow for customization of medications in terms of dosage, strength, flavor, and even combination therapy. This flexibility enables healthcare professionals to prescribe medications that are not commercially available or to create formulations that are better suited to specific patient requirements.
Troches are compounded with precise amounts of medication, ensuring accurate dosing for each patient. This is particularly important for individuals with specific dosage requirements or those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Troches are designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, allowing for direct absorption through the oral mucosa. This bypasses the digestive system and avoids the first-pass metabolism, leading to quicker onset of action and improved bioavailability.
Troches are easy to use, as they can be conveniently placed under the tongue, against the cheek, or between the gums. This makes them ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing, such as young children, elderly individuals, or those with certain medical conditions.
Troches can be compounded in a variety of flavors to enhance patient acceptance and compliance. Customizing the taste of medications can help overcome aversions and improve overall patient experience.
Troches offer the possibility of combining multiple medications into a single dosage form. This simplifies medication regimens, reduces pill burden, and enhances patient adherence.
Troches find utility in various medical specialties and conditions, including:
Troches are a valuable dosage form within the realm of compounding medicine. They offer numerous benefits, including accurate dosing, enhanced absorption, ease of administration, flavor customization, and the possibility of combination therapy. Compounded troches are a testament to the advancements in personalized medicine, allowing healthcare providers to tailor medications to the unique needs of each patient. By working closely with compounding pharmacies, healthcare professionals can harness the full potential of troches to optimize treatment outcomes and improve patient satisfaction.
As more and more people are turning to alternative medicine to manage their health, the role of pharmacists in providing these services is evolving. Alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of therapies, from herbal remedies to acupuncture, and it is gaining popularity due to its focus on natural remedies and holistic approaches to health. In this blog, we will explore the rise of alternative medicine in pharmacy services, and the benefits it can provide to patients.
Alternative medicine refers to any form of therapy or treatment that falls outside of conventional medicine. This can include practices such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy, among others. Alternative medicine is often based on traditional healing methods that have been used for centuries, and it focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of an illness.
There are several reasons why alternative medicine is gaining popularity. One of the main reasons is that people are becoming more interested in natural remedies and holistic approaches to health. They are also looking for ways to manage their health that do not involve prescription medications or invasive procedures.
Another reason is that many people have become disillusioned with the traditional healthcare system. They may feel that conventional medicine is too focused on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of an illness. They may also feel that doctors are too quick to prescribe medications, which can have negative side effects.
There are several benefits to incorporating alternative medicine into pharmacy services. First, it allows pharmacists to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care. By offering alternative therapies, pharmacists can help patients manage their health in a more holistic way.
Second, alternative medicine can be a safer and more natural alternative to prescription medications. Many alternative therapies have been shown to be effective in managing a variety of health conditions, and they often have fewer side effects than prescription medications.
Third, alternative medicine can be more affordable than conventional healthcare. Many alternative therapies can be done at home or with the guidance of a trained practitioner, which can save patients money on expensive medical procedures and prescription medications.
Despite the benefits, there are also challenges to incorporating alternative medicine into pharmacy services. One challenge is that there is a lack of standardization in alternative medicine. This can make it difficult for pharmacists to know which therapies are safe and effective.
Another challenge is that some alternative therapies may interact with prescription medications. Pharmacists need to be knowledgeable about potential interactions and contraindications to ensure that patients are not harmed.
The rise of alternative medicine in pharmacy services provides an opportunity for pharmacists to offer a more comprehensive approach to patient care. By incorporating alternative therapies into their services, pharmacists can help patients manage their health in a more holistic way, and provide a safer and more natural alternative to prescription medications. However, there are also challenges to incorporating alternative medicine into pharmacy services, and pharmacists need to be knowledgeable about potential interactions and contraindications. Overall, alternative medicine has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach healthcare, and pharmacists can play a key role in making this happen.
Medication adherence refers to the extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers. Medication non-adherence is a significant problem in healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and preventable hospitalizations. Here are some tips and strategies for patients to stay on top of their medication regimen and the importance of medication compliance.
Medication adherence is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing complications. Patients can take several steps to stay on top of their medication regimen, such as keeping a medication list, setting reminders, making medication part of a daily routine, and communicating with healthcare providers. By following these tips and strategies, patients can improve their medication adherence and achieve better health outcomes.
Spring is here, and with it comes allergy season. For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this time of year can be particularly difficult. Sneezing, itching, and congestion can make it hard to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days. But there are steps you can take to minimize the impact of seasonal allergies on your life. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for dealing with allergies this season.
The first step in dealing with seasonal allergies is to identify what triggers your symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, mold, and dust mites. Keep track of when your symptoms occur and what you were doing at the time. This can help you pinpoint your triggers and take steps to avoid them.
Pollen counts are highest in the morning and early evening, so try to stay indoors during these times. If you do need to go outside, wear a mask to filter out pollen and other allergens.
Regular cleaning can help reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently, and use a HEPA filter to trap airborne particles. Wash bedding and curtains in hot water to kill dust mites, and keep humidity levels low to discourage mold growth.
Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and decongestants can provide relief from allergy symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication or allergy shots to desensitize you to allergens over time.
Some people find relief from allergies with natural remedies like saline nasal sprays, neti pots, and herbal supplements. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any new treatments, especially if you’re already taking medication.
Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and reduce congestion. It can also help flush allergens out of your system.
Stress can make allergy symptoms worse, so find ways to manage stress in your life. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are all great options.
Seasonal allergies can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your spring. By taking steps to avoid allergens and manage symptoms, you can enjoy the season to the fullest. If your symptoms are severe or interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Compounding medicine is a practice that has been used for centuries to create customized medications for patients who require unique dosages or formulations that are not readily available in the market. This process has proven particularly helpful for children who require specialized medications, as they often have difficulty taking traditional pills or liquid medications due to their taste, texture, or dosage requirements.
Compounding medication involves mixing individual ingredients to create a unique formulation that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This process allows for more precise dosing, better absorption, and reduced side effects, making it an ideal solution for children who require individualized care.
One of the main advantages of compounding medicine for kids is that it can help them overcome the challenges of traditional medications. For example, many children have difficulty swallowing pills, and the taste and texture of liquid medications can be unpleasant, leading to noncompliance and treatment failure. With compounding medicine, pharmacists can create customized medications that are easier to swallow, better-tasting, and more effective, improving treatment outcomes for children.
Another benefit of compounding medicine for children is that it can help address specific health conditions. For instance, children who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions can benefit from medications that are tailored to their individual needs, including inhaled medications that are easier to use and more effective. Additionally, children who require medications for behavioral or mental health conditions can benefit from customized formulations that are better tolerated and more effective than traditional medications.
Moreover, compounding medicine can be particularly useful for children with developmental disabilities or medical conditions that affect their digestive system. These children often require unique dosages or formulations of medications, and compounding allows pharmacists to create medications that are better suited to their needs.
Compounding medicine is an important tool for pediatric patients who require specialized care. By creating customized medications that are tailored to their unique needs, pharmacists can help children overcome the challenges of traditional medications, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance their overall quality of life. If your child has specific medication needs, speak to your healthcare provider about whether compounding medicine may be an appropriate solution.
Skin is one of the most important parts of our body and maintaining its health is vital for overall well-being. A healthy skin barrier helps to protect the body from environmental threats and also maintains a critical water balance. However, several factors like a complicated skin care routine, improper pH levels of skin care products, and dry skin can weaken the skin barrier leading to problems like dryness, itching, and inflammation. To restore and protect the skin barrier, here are five strategies that you can consider:
If you’re using a lot of skin care products, you may be doing more harm than good. Consult a dermatologist or a skin care professional to determine which products are essential and most effective.
Your skin has a delicate acid mantle with a pH of 4.7. However, some skin care products have a pH that ranges from 3.7 to 8.2. Cleansing with a product that has a pH between 4.0 and 5.0 can help maintain your skin’s pH level and protect it from skin conditions like acne and Candida albicans infections.
Plant oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and borage oil have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. They can help repair the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. You can use creams and lotions that contain these oils or massage the oils directly into your skin.
Ceramides are waxy lipids that are crucial for maintaining the skin barrier’s integrity. Products containing ceramides can help improve the symptoms of a poorly functioning barrier and also protect darker skin tones that have lower ceramide levels.
Dry skin is a common problem and moisturizers are the best solution. Occlusive moisturizers like petrolatum can block up to 99% of water loss from your skin while humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey, and urea can improve barrier function by drawing water and binding it into the skin barrier.
Keeping your skin barrier healthy is essential for overall well-being. By simplifying your skin care routine, paying attention to pH, using plant oils, looking for ceramide-rich formulations, and using moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin, you can help restore and protect your skin barrier. If you’re looking to keep your skin healthy, consider visiting or ordering supplements and products from Gaspar’s Best Pharmacy.
For individualized guidance from an expert pharmacist and a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation now! For more health tips, check out the rest of our glossary. In the meantime, the Gaspar’s Best family wishes you and your family happiness and health.
Heart disease is an overarching term that encompasses a variety of heart and blood vessel-related ailments. The Mayo Clinic lists the following illnesses as being included in this umbrella category: coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, arrhythmia (for instance atrial fibrillation), and congenital heart defects.
Other diseases of the heart include:
A common symptom of heart disease is chest pain, or angina—this occurs when the heart muscle isn’t receiving enough oxygen and nutrient-rich arterial blood. Angina causes a feeling of discomfort in one’s chest; many describe it as tightness or a squeezing sensation around their breastbone. The painful sensations can even spread to other areas such as the neck, shoulders, arms, abdomen and back.
Have you been feeling overwhelmingly exhausted after brief physical activity? Are you having difficulty breathing when at rest? If so, these may be signs of heart disease. Fortunately, these symptoms usually subside with a period of rest.
Women may not be aware of the signs of heart disease since its symptoms can imitate those from various other illnesses. Furthermore, women are more likely to have further risk factors than men such as depression, stress and menopause.
Common risk factors for heart disease include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans have one or more of the major risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or smoking. If your doctor has warned you that you might be at risk of developing this condition, it is important that you take their advice seriously!
For individualized guidance from an expert pharmacist and a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation now! For more health tips, check out the rest of our glossary. In the meantime, the Gaspar’s Best family wishes you and your family happiness and health.
The fight-or-flight response is your body’s reaction to stress or threat. Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels if the body cannot process it efficiently. Chronic stress from long-term problems with blood glucose can also be debilitating, making it harder to manage your diabetes.
Depending on the individual, stress can have different effects. The severity of your stress will also dictate how your body reacts physically. For example, when people with type 2 diabetes are under psychological duress, they typically see an uptick in their blood sugar readings. People with type 1 diabetes may fluctuate more dramatically and experience either a rise or drop in blood glucose levels. Likewise, if you’re experiencing physical hardship like illness or injury, your blood sugar is likely to increase regardless of whether you have type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of stress are not always easy to notice, however it is crucial to be aware of them. Stress takes a toll on your mental and emotional well-being as well as physical health. By recognizing the symptoms, you can learn how to manage stress more effectively.
Physical symptoms of stress include:
Stress may also cause you to feel:
Determining what causes your stress can be difficult, but keeping track of extra information such as the date and an activity you were doing when stressed may help. For example, do you find yourself always stressed on Monday mornings? If so, making a plan for Mondays which includes steps to lower your stress levels can help keep your glucose in check.
To see if this is happening to you, record both your stress and glucose levels. After rating your stress, check your glucose level and continue doing this for a few weeks. A pattern will likely emerge. If you notice that your glucose is consistently high, it’s probably because mental stress is negatively impacting your blood sugar.
Acid reflux, also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux, happens when contents from your stomach come back up into your esophagus. If you have symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, it might be because you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
As stated by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), GERD affects around 20 percent of individuals in America. If not treated, it can potentially lead to severe complications.
GERD’s primary symptom is acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause a burning feeling in your chest, which may move up into your neck and throat. This feeling is called heartburn. If you have acid reflux, you might also get sour or bitter taste at the back of mouth or regurgitation of food/liquid from stomach to mouth.
Some other symptoms of GERD include:
To reduce GERD symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend some lifestyle changes, such as:
The medications below can all be taken over-the-counter (OTC), but they also come with potential side effects. Talk to your doctor to see which one is right for you.
Antacids, such as Tums, are usually taken for only mild and infrequent heartburn or acid reflux. However if you find that you need them frequently, it might be time to get a stronger medication from your doctor.
Acid reducers, such as Pepcid AC, prevent your stomach from making too much acid. H2 blockers come in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms. The FDA recalled ranitidine, which is also known as Zantac, for containing N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), an ingredient that can cause cancer.
PPIs like Prilosec also lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. Because they tend to work better than H2 blockers, they’re more helpful when it comes to healing the esophageal lining — which can become damaged when someone is dealing with GERD for a while.
For individualized guidance from an expert pharmacist and a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation now! For more health tips, check out the rest of our glossary. In the meantime, the Gaspar’s Best family wishes you and your family happiness and health.
A pulsating or throbbing pain on one side of the head is characteristic of a migraine. It’s typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Hormonal fluctuations, beverages, tension, medicines, and food are all potential causes. Migraines can occur for a few hours to days at a time and may be quite painful; in some cases, they can even obstruct normal functions.
Here are a few useful tips to manage your migraines better:
Putting an ice pack on your forehead or neck during a migraine might help relieve the discomfort. You can also try dampening a washcloth with cold water.
It is possible to get rid of migraines using over-the-counter medications rather than prescription drugs. Pharmacies provide OTC medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen as well.
For the average person, 7-8 hours of sleep is enough to prevent migraines. Sleep deprivation and over sleeping have been linked to headaches and a decreased pain threshold.
Migraines are often brought on by stress, which means it’s doubly important for you to relax when possible if this is your main trigger. Lighten your load whenever possible.
For individualized guidance from an expert pharmacist and a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation now! For more health tips, check out the rest of our glossary. In the meantime, the Gaspar’s Best family wishes you and your family happiness and health.
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