Basics of Compounding: Vehicles for Compounded Oral Liquid Medications: A Review.

Compounded oral liquid medications play an important role in addressing the unmet needs of special patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and tube fed patients. The use of manufactured vehicles can streamline the compounding activities for pharmacists. In recent years, there is an increase in the availability of manufactured vehicles with various promotional features. This article uses the general formulation principles as a guide to compare and contrast the manufactured vehicles regarding their physicochemical properties, presence of preservatives and dyes, organoleptic properties, and ease of use. A summary table is provided as a reference tool to assist pharmacists in selecting the optimal vehicles for their patient care.