The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7411 p143
29 July 2006

Society summary

New book gives guidance on extemporaneous preparation of medicines

A new book on the extemporaneous compounding and dispensing of medicinal formulae is now available from the Pharmaceutical Press (the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's publishing imprint).

‘Pharmaceutical compounding and dispensing’ has been written by four experts from the school of pharmacy at Aston University — John Marriott (senior lecturer in pharmacy practice), Keith Wilson (head of the school), Chris Langley (lecturer in pharmacy practice) and Dawn Belcher (teaching fellow, pharmacy practice).

The book is described as a modern, detailed and practical guide to the theory and practice of extemporaneous compounding and dispensing, and a source of reference for extemporaneous formulae.

The Pharmaceutical Press says that the book will “equip pharmacy students and practising pharmacists with the knowledge required to produce extemporaneous formulations safely and effectively”.

The book is divided into three main sections. The first sections looks at the historical perspective. The second begins with chapters on key formulation skills and general aspects of extemporaneous dispensing, followed by specific guidance on the various pharmaceutical forms, including solutions, suspensions, emulsions, creams, ointments, pastes, gels, suppositories, pessaries, powders and capsules. It concludes with a chapter on specialised formulation issues. The third section provides seven chapters setting out standards product formulae.

Three appendices provide a glossary of terms used in formulations, a list of abbreviations commonly used in pharmacy and details of changes in substance names from British Approved Names to International Non-proprietary Names.

To aid learning, the book is accompanied by a CD-ROM containing video clips of the techniques described in the book.

The 304-page paperback book costs £39.95. UK orders for the new book can be placed by telephone (01767 604 971), fax (01767 601 640) or e-mail (rps@turpin-distribution.com) or through the Pharmaceutical Press website (www.pharmpress.com).