Article Summary
The article highlights the role of personalized medicine through customized compounded dosage forms, which may offer alternative options when standard commercial medications are not suitable for certain patients. Empower supports prescribers by offering a variety of delivery methods that can help align treatment plans with individual patient needs and preferences.Exploring Compounded Dosage Forms in Patient Care
In many cases, one-size-fits-all medication strategies often fall short when treating a diverse patient population. Although commercial medications serve many, they may not address the full range of patient needs, particularly in terms of tolerability, accessibility, or mode of administration.
That’s where compounding can play a vital role. When prescribers customize dosage forms, they can consider the active ingredients and how the therapy is delivered, opening the door to more patient-centered solutions.
Why Dosage Form Flexibility Matters
Multiple factors can influence a patient’s ability and willingness to follow a treatment plan:
- Difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets
- Gastrointestinal concerns
- Allergies or intolerances to inactive ingredients
- Preference for non-oral options
- Desire for a more discreet or convenient route of administration
By adapting the dosage form, prescribers may better match therapy with a patient’s personal needs and preferences, potentially supporting consistency with the goal of improving the care experience.
Discover Our Dosage Forms
Commonly Compounded Dosage Forms
At Empower, we collaborate with licensed prescribers to support the creation of compounded therapies in various dosage forms. Each form offers its own considerations and may serve a specific patient care need.
→ Capsules and Tablets
These oral solid forms remain one of the most widely used across healthcare. Compounding allows for adjustment of dose strength, excipients, or fillers, which may be beneficial for patients with specific sensitivities.
Some compounded tablets may be formulated as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), designed to dissolve on the tongue without the need for water. This option is often chosen for patients with swallowing difficulties or when convenient administration is needed. [1]
→ Injections
When rapid or targeted delivery is needed, injectable forms may be considered. They allow for bypassing the digestive system and may be appropriate in cases where oral or transdermal routes are not preferred or feasible. [2] [3]
→ Nasal Sprays
This non-invasive format allows for absorption through the nasal mucosa, offering patients potential benefits such as faster onset and ease of use. [4]
→ Pellets
Typically administered subcutaneously, pellets may be used in protocols where a longer duration of action is desired. This dosage form is designed for controlled release, which in some cases may reduce dosing frequency. [5] [6]
→ Topical Preparations
Creams, gels, and ointments are designed for local or transdermal application. They can be customized in strength and base formulation, which may benefit patients with skin sensitivities or conditions that require targeted, site-specific application.
→ Troches
Troches are designed to dissolve slowly between the cheek and gum, allowing for buccal absorption through the cheek mucosa. This dosage form can be used when a local release is desired and may allow for quicker onset of action compared to traditional oral tablets. [6]
Personalized Doesn’t Mean Complicated
Personalized care isn’t about adding complexity; it’s about offering flexibility. By selecting the right dosage form, prescribers can help meet individual patient needs without changing the intent of therapy. For some, that may mean removing a common allergen. For others, it might mean switching from a capsule to a topical formulation for easier administration.
Partnering in Patient-Centered Care
Empower supports prescribers by offering customizable compounding services that focus on both precision and personalization. Our broad range of dosage forms is just one way we help make personalized care more accessible.
In either case, whether managing a complex patient profile or seeking an alternative delivery method, we’re here to support your clinical goals, one formulation at a time.
View our entire portfolio for personalized patient care solutions.
Connect with a clinic liaison to explore how we can support your practice.
- 1.Carnaby-Mann G, Crary M. Pill swallowing by adults with dysphagia. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Nov;131(11):970-5. doi: 10.1001/archotol.131.11.970. PMID: 16301368. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16301368/
- Kim J, De Jesus O. Medication Routes of Administration. [Updated 2023 Aug 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568677/
- Polania Gutierrez JJ, Munakomi S. Intramuscular Injection. [Updated 2023 Aug 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556121/
- Madden, S., Carrazana, E., & Rabinowicz, A. L. (2023). Optimizing Absorption for Intranasal Delivery of Drugs Targeting the Central Nervous System Using Alkylsaccharide Permeation Enhancers. Pharmaceutics, 15(8), 2119. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15082119
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Clinical Utility of Treating Patients with Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy; Jackson LM, Parker RM, Mattison DR, editors. The Clinical Utility of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A Review of Safety, Effectiveness, and Use. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2020 Jul 1. 5, Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Preparations. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562866/
- McCullough A. (2014). A Review of Testosterone Pellets in the Treatment of Hypogonadism. Current sexual health reports, 6(4), 265–269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-014-0033-7




