Abstract

EXTEMPORANEOUS COMPOUNDING: ATTITUDES OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS AT KHARTOUM CITY

Othman A. Gubara*, Tariq O.A. Gubara, Mohammed O. Ayoub, Shayoub M. El. A., Ali M. EL. Hassan., Abd Alla Ah. M. El. A, Ali. M. El. A., Asma Nour Eldim Mahmmoud

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the type and extent of extemporaneous dispensing undertaken by community pharmacists and to assess their attitudes towards related issues. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire was handled to every third community pharmacy. Results: Fifty-four questionnaires were completed (78.6%), 61.1% males and 38.9% females; 33.3% of respondents dispensed 1-5 prescription weekly; For 70.4% of respondents extemporaneous prescriptions made up >1%-5% of total prescriptions; Products prescribed were mainly dermatological preparations; The main reasons for prescribing were product not commercially available and physician’s preference; 92.6% stated that prescriber were very often dermatologist; 22.2% and 20.0% rated standard of the equipments and quality of the ingredients as high, respectively; 33.3% cited that lack of ingredients often limit extemporaneous dispensing; 44.5% and 40.8% had high confidence and satisfaction in extemporaneous compounding, respectively; 59.5% and 53.7% felt that undergraduate training was adequate and their skills increased since graduation, respectively; 81.4% and felt that refreshing courses would be useful; 77.8% agreed for periodical assessment of pharmacists; 40.8% and 40.7% believed that extemporaneous dispensing had greatly decreased in the few past years and will decrease in the future, respectively; 66.7% and 5% agreed that extemporaneous compounding should be undertaken by all pharmacists and decline for all, respectively; 48.2% supported specialist pharmacies. Conclusion: Extemporaneous compounding comprises minor part of pharmacy income. Pharmacists supported keeping extemporaneous compounding within the profession. Several constraints were highlighted. These may be overcome through appropriate stocking of ingredients, equipments maintenance, regular inspection, ongoing continuous education and periodical assessment. Development of guidelines, dermatologic drug formulary and conduct stability testing should also be encouraged.

Keywords: Extemporaneous, compounding, community, pharmacists, attitudes, constraints ,dispensing, confidence.