Miscellaneous Prescription Compounding

Zinc stimulates the immune system and zinc deficiency increases the risk of infections. An analysis of 13 placebo-controlled studies showed strong evidence that adequate doses of zinc may reduce the duration and intensity of the common cold. Three trials used zinc acetate in daily doses of over 75 mg; the pooled results indicated a 42% reduction in the duration of colds. Contradictory results in various studies can largely be explained by the formulation of the lozenges or the variation in the total daily dose of zinc that the person obtained from the lozenges. Zinc lozenges have caused side effects such as bad taste and constipation that stopped when lozenge use was discontinued, and there is no evidence that short term occasional use would cause long term harm. Ask our compounding pharmacist about the most appropriate preparations.

Open Respir Med J. 2011; 5: 51–58.
Zinc Lozenges May Shorten the Duration of Colds: A Systematic Review
Harri Hemilä
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This study finds that modified-release sildenafil reduced attack frequency in patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon secondary to limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and was well tolerated.

Arthritis Rheum. 2011 Mar;63(3):775-82. doi: 10.1002/art.30195.
Modified-release sildenafil reduces Raynaud’s phenomenon attack frequency in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Herrick AL et al.
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Topical Glycopyrrolate for Treatment of Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a socially embarrassing disorder and may negatively impact the quality of life. In order of frequency, palmar-plantar, palmar-axillary, isolated axillary, and craniofacial hyperhidrosis are distinct disorders.

Application of topical glycopyrrolate 2% “appears to be effective and safe for the treatment of excessive facial sweating in primary craniofacial and secondary gustatory hyperhidrosis following sympathectomy”.

Ten patients with compensatory sweating after sympathectomy applied one milliliter of a 2% water solution of topical glycopyrrolate once a day over the affected area and massaged for 30 seconds. Eight of the 10 treated patients dramatically improved with the topical application of glycopyrrolate. Two patients quit the treatment due to secondary effects (optical accommodative failure and dry mouth). The results of the study demonstrated that local application of glycopyrrolate might be the treatment of choice for compensatory hyperhidrosis.

“Glycopyrrolate iontophoresis is more effective than tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis” and “glycopyrrolate iontophoresis has both local and systemic effects on perspiration”.

Br J Dermatol. 2008 May;158(5):1094-7.
Topical glycopyrrolate for patients with facial hyperhidrosis.
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Dermatol Ther. 2008 Sep-Oct;21(5):406-8.
A medical alternative to the treatment of compensatory sweating.
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Australas J Dermatol. 2004 Nov;45(4):208-12.
Iontophoresis with glycopyrrolate for the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.
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Lidocaine 8% Intranasal Spray for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Intranasal lidocaine 8% administered by a metered-dose spray produced prompt but temporary analgesia without serious adverse reactions in patients with second-division trigeminal neuralgia.

Br J Anaesth. 2007 Feb;98(2):275
Lidocaine intranasal spray for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
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Topical Treatment for Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers, Irritation around Stomas, and Diaper Rash

Daily application of sucralfate gel to non-infected post-phlebitis/vascular ulcers for 42 days led to complete healing in 95.6% of patients compared to only 10.9% of cases that used placebo.

Int J Mol Med. 2008 Jul;22(1):17-23.
Topical treatment of chronic venous ulcers with sucralfate: a placebo controlled randomized study.
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A 10% aqueous solution of sucralfate, administered twice daily as a rectal enema or vaginal douche, was also used successfully to treat radiation-induced rectal and vaginal ulcers.

Arch Dermatol. 2000 Oct;136(10):1199-200.
Topical sucralfate for erosive irritant diaper dermatitis.
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Ann Pharmacother. 1999 Dec;33(12):1274-6
Treatment of radiation-induced proctitis with sucralfate enemas.
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Topical sucralfate represents a safe, inexpensive and effective therapeutic intervention, particularly for those patients with high output or short stomas where repeated stoma leakage may be unavoidable.

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2000 Nov;25(8):584-8.
Topical sucralfate in the management of peristomal skin disease: an open study.
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Low-Dose Naltrexone

Accumulating evidence suggests that Low Dose Naltrexone can promote health supporting immune-modulation which may reduce various oncogenic and inflammatory autoimmune processes. Since LDN can upregulate endogenous opioid activity, LDN may also play a role in healing and repair of tissues, as well as promoting stress resilience, exercise, social bonding, and emotional well-being, and ameloriating psychiatric problems such as autism and depression.

Med Hypotheses. 2009 Mar;72(3):333-7. Epub 2008 Nov 28.
Low-dose naltrexone for disease prevention and quality of life.
Brown N, Panksepp J.
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Non-surgical Treatment of Anal Fissure

Chronic anal fissures can be simply and effectively treated medically without the risk of incontinence associated with sphincterotomy. Topical nifedipine can be beneficial, alone or after botulinum toxin injections (“an excellent combination” associated with a low recurrence rate and minimal side effects).

Can J Surg. 2006 Feb;49(1):41-5.
Nonsurgical treatment of chronic anal fissure: nitroglycerin and dilatation versus nifedipine and botulinum toxin.

Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.