8 Chapter 8: Equipment Used in Compounding

Categories of Compounding Equipment

1. Measuring Equipment
2. Mixing & Blending Tools
3. Compounding Equipment for Specific Dosage form
4. Packaging Equipment
5. Cleaning & Safety Tools

Measuring Equipment

1. Graduated Cylinders

• Used to measure volume of a liquid accurately.
• Most common sizes in a pharmacy are 10ml, 25ml, 50ml, 100ml
• Being able to read a graduated cylinder accurately is a VERY important skill and should be mastered before doing any compounding
• How to Use:

• • Graduate cylinder must be on a flat surface
  • Eye position is level to the surface of the liquid
  • Read volume at the bottom of the meniscus
  • Read the numbered line below the meniscus. Add the incremental measurements up to the last mark below the meniscus
  • Once you have documented your measurement, keep reading past your meniscus up to the next gradation to ensure you are using the correct sub-gradation…your count should match the next gradation
  • Smallest amount that can be measured in the graduate is 20% of the maximum volume
    • For example 10ml graduate -2 ml minimum, 100ml graduate – 20ml minimum

2. Conical Cylinder

• Conical cylinder are used for measuring and mixing in the same device
• They are characterized by a conical shape with graduated markings on the side for easy and accurate volume measurement

  Please Note:

  Viscous Liquids should be weighed, not measured, unless a small quantity in a syringe.

  Use specific gravity to calculate weight needed.

• Less accurate than a graduated cylinder.

3. Syringes

• Used for small volume liquid measurement.
• Same minimum measurable amount allowed, 20% of maximum volume

4. Pipettes:

• Measures and transfers small liquid volumes
• 3 main types:
  • Volumetric Pipettes – Delivers a precise fixed volume.
  • Graduated Pipettes – Measures varying liquid volumes.
  • Micropipettes – Used for very small volumes (µL range).

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5. Droppers

• May be used to measure ingredients in compounding and may be used to deliver small doses of liquid medication (< 1 mL to the patient)
• Size of a drop of any liquid varies with differences in droppers and with viscosity, surface tension, and density of the liquid as well as angle of the dropper, pressure on the dropper, size of drug.
• To maximize accuracy in measuring ingredients/doses, the dropper must be calibrated with the intended liquid
  • Calibrating a Dropper –  see video

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6. Weighing Scales & Balances

Electronic scale:

• The main way to measure weight in compounding is by using an electronic weigh scale
• This has a high level of accuracy when used correctly
• Must be calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy

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Class A prescription balance (Torsion):

• A traditional device used in pharmacies
• Not commonly used any more because time consuming and less accurate

Mixing & Blending Tools

1. Mortar & Pestle

A mortar and pestle is an essential tool in pharmacy compounding, used for triturating (grinding), mixing, and blending powders, semi-solids, and pastes. The material of the mortar and pestle determines its effectiveness for specific compounds based on porosity, hardness, and reactivity. There are 4 main types of mortar and pestles used, glass, ceramic and Wedgewood and Porcelain. They also come in a variety of sizes (2 ounces to 32 ounces)

• Glass mortar & pestle:
  • Made of smooth, non-porous glass
  • Transparent, allowing for visibility of the mixture
  • Ideal for mixing liquids, creams and pastes
  • Not good for making emulsions, because it is difficult to get enough shearing action
  • It is easy to clean and does not retain odors or stains

• Wedgewood:
  • Made from unglazed porcelain with a rough interior
  • It is durable and abrasive, making it excellent for grinding
  • Used to grind crystals and larger particles into fine powders
  • Also used for crushing hard powders or tablets, to reduce particle size
  • It can be difficult to clean and can absorb liquids, leading to contamination or staining
  • Not suitable for oily or staining compounds
  • Hard rubber, silicone or plastic spatulas preferred to avoid scratching

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2. Spatulas

Spatulas are used for mixing, transferring and levigating powders, creams, ointments and pastes.

Important when using a spatula that you do not touch the blade with your hands.

• Metal spatula:
  • Used for levigating & transferring ingredients.
  • small (6 inches or less) are preferred when handling dry chemicals
  • Larger (6 inches +) preferred for large amounts of ointments or creams
  • Not suitable for acidic compounds
• Plastic spatula:
  • Non-reactive, ideal for sensitive or acidic compounds.
• Rubber spatula:
  • Used for scraping mixtures.

2. Ointment Slab & Pad

An ointment slab or pad is used to provide a  hard, smooth surface for mixing creams and ointments.

• Glass or Porcelain Ointment Slab:
  • Non porous, non absorbent surface
  • Best practice to have something underneath to prevent slippage
• Ointment Pad:
  • Disposable sheets of Parchment paper
  • Quick clean up
  • Can absorb liquid, so not ideal for creams, but works well for ointments

3. Weigh boats and weigh papers

• Holds powders or small solids to prevent contamination.
• Must use large enough weigh boat or paper to prevent leakage
• Should be labelled during compounding, so the product in/on can be verified

4. Electronic Mixing Equipment

Using automatic mixing equipment can provide more uniform and efficient compounding. Examples include:

• Electronic Mortar & Pestle (EMP) – Automates trituration and blending.
• Ointment Mill – Reduces particle size for smooth, even-textured creams and ointments.
• Homogenizer – Ensures uniform emulsions and suspensions.
• Magnetic Stirrer – Used for continuous stirring of solutions

Compounding Equipment for Specific Dosage forms:

1. Capsule Filling Equipment

• Used for filling empty gelatin or vegetable capsules with powdered drugs.
• Types:
  • Manual Capsule Filling Machine – Used in small-scale compounding.
  • Automatic Capsule Filling Machine – Used in high-volume production.
• Ensures uniform drug distribution in each capsule.

2. Suppository & Troche Molds

• Used to shape and solidify compounded suppositories and lozenges.
• Types:
  • Plastic or Metal Suppository Molds – Forms rectal, vaginal, or urethral suppositories.
  • Troche Molds – Creates medicated lozenges, lollipops, etc for buccal absorption.

3. Molds & Punches

• Used to prepare compressed tablets, chewable forms

Packaging Equipment

1. Tube Fillers & Pumps

• Used for filling creams, gels, and pastes into tubes.

2. Blister Packaging & Vials

• Used for protecting capsules & tablets.

3. Amber Bottles (Prescription Ovals) & Plastic Containers (Ointment Pots)

• Protects light-sensitive medications.
• Ensures proper storage & dispensing.
• Prescription Ovals are not accurate for measurement, but can be pre-calibrated
  • Calibrating Oval – see video

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Cleaning & Safety Equipment

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves, masks, goggles, lab coats.
• Prevents contamination & exposure to hazardous materials.

2. Cleaning Equipment

• Must look at ingredients used for specific cleaning requirements
• Alcohol wipes, disinfectants, and cleaning brushes for maintaining equipment hygiene.
• Prevents cross-contamination.
• Regularly clean equipment surfaces before and after use.

3. Ventilation & Fume Hoods

• Required for handling volatile or hazardous ingredients.
• Ensures compounder safety & compliance.