The very young often require medicines in different concentrations, formulations, or strengths than those available as licensed medicines and may be unwilling, or unable to swallow tablets. To help overcome this, Specials manufactures may formulate a liquid medicine with perhaps a familiar and popular flavour, such as strawberry, which children often associate with food and drinks they enjoy.

The elderly are among the biggest users of pharmaceutical Specials. Many liquid medicines are prepared because the elderly patient has difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms.  Special medicines in a liquid formula and in a familiar and pleasant flavour can make compliance with medicine regimes much less stressful for elderly patients who have lost their swallowing reflex.

Another group of vulnerable patients, those in intensive care, may require specific Specials for intravenous or intrathecal treatment, have specific intravenous nutritional needs, or require complex oncology regimes.

The Doctor may also prescribe a special for a patients whose licensed medicine has been discontinued, or when patients, such as those with a skin problem are allergic to drug excipients.

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