After reading and checking a prescription, the pharmacist proceeds to dispense it. Compounding, labelling and packaging should be carried out in a neat place.
All the equipment etc. should be thoroughly cleaned and washed. In case a prepackaged medicine is to be dispensed under a manufacturer’s label, the pharmacist may have to only wrap it and deliver to the patient. Sometimes, a smaller number or volume may have to be dispensed from a larger package.
In such cases, he chooses a suitable container with a closure, or a package, and packs the requisite number or volume, affixes a label and delivers it duly wrapped. When compounding is to be done, a pharmacist has to perform a series of operations depending on the nature of the preparation he handles. This is the main area where his professional competence is required.
General Aspects of Compounding
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Compounding should be done on a proper work table with suitable fittings. The pharmacist puts on his professional dress, a white overall, while engaged in his professional duties. Ingredients are arranged alphabetically on shelves to which he has an-easy access. All equipment and apparatus necessary for compounding is within easy reach, properly arranged, duly cleaned and dried. More than one prescription should not be compounded at a time by a pharmacist.
Since he has to work with concentration of mind, he should not be disturbed. But if it is inevitable, he should suspend compounding temporarily and restart only when he can pay undivided attention to his work.
Labeling should be done immediately and under no circumstances two unlabeled containers of medication kept side by side to one another. Bottles of all the ingredients to be compounded should be assembled on the’ left hand side of the table with the dispensing balance in the centre. Labels should be read while removing the bottles from the shelf. Ingredients should be accurately weighed/measured and checked preferably by another pharmacist. The labels are read a second time while removing the quantity for weighing/measuring. After all the ingredients have been taken from the bottles, they should be kept on the right hand side of the balance in the order of their disposal after use.
All the ingredients should then be compounded according to the directions of the prescriber or according to the pharmaceutical art. After compounding is over, the bottles should be replaced back on the shelf, again the label is read a third time. While removing and handling the containers and the ingredients, due care should be exercised not to soil the labels of the containers or spill the ingredients on the table or the floor.
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The preparation, during processing, is expected to remain untouched by hand. The product is then filled in a suitable container and securely closed. Label of a suitable size is written or typed giving all the desired information in a clear-cut manner. Dropper or measure, when necessary, should be enclosed in the final package. Checking, recording and pricing should be done before delivery of the prescription. While delivering the prescription to the patient, the pharmacist should explain the mode of administration, storage etc. and repeat directions for use.
Labelling
Labelling is an important operation in dispensing practice. Information stated on the label is the only link between the patient and the pharmacist after the prescription has been delivered. It has to be interpreted by the patient who is not an expert and hence the direction should be stated in writing in simple and unambiguous words. Further, the label gives a face-lift to the prescription container and contributes to its elegance.
Therefore the label design should be in artistic taste with regard to shape and size of the container, in quality and colour of the paper and printing thereupon. The label should be affixed with a strong adhesive so that it holds firmly in handing. Besides the information to the patient, the label bears other essential details so that on production of the container the prescription could be identified and its filling traced wherever necessary. A specimen label is written below, special labels if required for a product are affixed separately and prominently so that they do not miss attention of the patient.