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Understanding Topical Anesthetics

  Understanding Topical Anesthetics By Sarah Taylor, PharmD Topical anesthetics are widely used in cosmetic dermatology, with one recent survey conducted in 2021 and 2022 reporting that 97.5% of dermatology practices utilize topical anesthetics for a variety of procedures including laser and light-based procedures, ablative skin resurfacing, injectable fillers, and tissue tightening among others. While commercially available anesthetic combinations, such as EMLA (combination lidocaine 2.5%/prilocaine 2.5%) are used frequently, over half of the survey respondents reported using compounded anesthetics, with Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 6%, Tetracaine 4% being the most commonly used of the compounded options. 1 In this blog post we will address common questions and concerns regarding the use of topical anesthetics with regards to both safety and efficacy.     How are topical anesthetics used? Topical anesthetic preparations prepared as creams or ointments are often ap...
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Critical Factors for Standardizing the Compounding Process of Semi-Solid Formulations

  Critical Factors for Standardizing the Compounding Process of Semi-Solid Formulations by Süsen Gülce Erismis, BPharm MSc. Standardization and Reproducibility A standardized compounding process refers to a consistent and well-defined set of procedures and practices that compounding pharmacies follow. According to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 1 , this practice is essential for maintaining the safety, quality, and effectiveness of compounded medications as well as ensuring compliance with compounding requirements. The primary aim of standardization is to ensure reproducibility, which means that the resulting product consistently exhibits the same composition, quality, and attributes every time it is made, regardless of the person performing the compounding 2 . Automated equipment in pharmaceutical compounding ensures consistent processes by minimizing variations from individual compounders. These systems follow set protocols during each process, controlling factors like sp...
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Developing Standard Operating Procedures

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 Developing Standard Operating Procedures by Denise M. Frank, RPh, FACA, FAPC   Policies and Procedures are the written pharmacy documents that include the policy statement (a course or plan of action, a high-level principle of the pharmacy), and the procedures for complying or carrying out a task. These procedures are also referred to as Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs. Why do we need Policies and Procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the pharmacy? Policies and procedures will provide for the consistent performance of activities. Personnel have a reference on how to handle situations and perform tasks – working as a team. The manual will very useful when training new employees with clear explanations, instructions, and expectations for specific tasks and for their position. Well-written SOPs also help protect a pharmacy from liability. The policies and procedures, when followed, ensure staff are compliant with regulations and standards and this...
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