Special Dosage Precision for the Very Young
A Pharmacist contacted Quantum Specials with a request for a one off Special for his patient - a 5 year old child.
Because of the patient’s age and individual circumstances, the Doctor had prescribed a 5mg/5ml suspension form of a popular licensed non steroidal anti inflammatory drug, normally available in 10 and 20 g capsules and 20mg melt in the mouth tablets.
After research, Quantum’s Pharmacist was able to tell the customer that although the 10mg melt in the mouth tablets were no longer available, there was a 20mg melt in the mouth tablet that could potentially be used for someone with swallowing difficulties.
However a 20mg melt in the mouth tablet would have to be quartered with the attendant risk of the patient’s carer inadvertently getting the dose wrong. To avoid this, the customer asked Quantum to investigate the potential of supplying a precise dose in a suspension. Since a medicine of this specification had never before been made by Quantum, this necessitated some research into potential stability. Internal consultation amongst senior Pharmacist colleagues established that the active drug substance was available as an injection, another liquid dosage form.
It was subsequently agreed to undertake some product development for this Special. So the capsules were ordered as a raw material and after a day of PD work, the Special medicine was made up in liquid in the precise dose required for the individual child and sent out to a delighted Community Pharmacist.
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