Making Medicine Work for Kids

The Power of Pediatric Compounding

Getting children to take medication can be one of the biggest challenges for parents and caregivers. It could be the taste. Perhaps it’s the texture. It could be just fear of the unknown. Whatever the reason, the struggle is real, and we’re here to help. There are other solutions other than learning how to swallow a pill as kids.

At Dispensaries Ltd., our compounding pharmacists work closely with pediatricians and families to create customized, child-friendly medications that make treatment easier and more manageable.

Why Kids Need Customized Medications

One of the significant barriers in pediatric care is the limited availability of commercially approved medications suitable for infants and children. Many drugs are not officially approved for pediatric use and therefore are not available in dosages or forms that are safe or appropriate for young patients. This creates a significant gap in treatment options that can leave families frustrated and children undertreated.

The pharmaceutical industry primarily focuses on adult formulations because children represent a smaller market segment. As a result, pediatricians often have to resort to splitting adult tablets, diluting liquid medications, or using off-label dosing practices that can lead to inaccurate dosing and potential safety concerns.

This is where pediatric compounding offers a valuable solution. We specialize in tailoring medications to meet each child’s specific needs: adjusting dosages, modifying delivery formats, and improving palatability to increase adherence. Our approach recognizes that children aren’t just small adults—they have unique physiological needs, developmental considerations, and preferences that require specialized attention.

Kid-Approved Forms and Flavours

We can turn standard medications into a variety of forms that are easier to take and easier to love:

  • Pleasantly flavoured suspensions and syrups – Transform bitter medications into strawberry, bubblegum, or cherry delights
  • Medicated gummies, chocolates, and chewables – Make medicine time feel more like treat time
  • Lollipops for “swish and swallow” treatments or buccal absorption – Perfect for medications that need oral cavity contact
  • Creams, ointments, and topicals for localized relief – Ideal for skin conditions or localized pain management
  • Custom-dose capsules for older kids – Precisely measured doses in easy-to-swallow formats
  • Nasal sprays, eye drops, or injectables when needed, with precision dosing – Alternative delivery methods when oral isn’t feasible
  • Easy-to-use metered-dose applicators for accurate administration – Ensuring parents can confidently give the right amount every time

And yes—we offer a wide variety of kid-approved flavours to make medicine time a little less stressful (and sometimes even fun). From classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like cotton candy and grape, we work with families to find flavours that their children actually enjoy.

Addressing Special Dietary Needs

Sensitive to Sugars, Dyes, or Allergens? No problem. We understand that many children have specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities that can make standard medications challenging to administer. We can remove or substitute ingredients like:

Our compounding team carefully reviews each child’s medical history and works with parents to identify potential allergens or problematic ingredients before creating any custom formulation.

Why Pediatric Compounding Matters

Safe, Precise, and Always Personalized

We know you’re placing your child’s health in our hands, and we don’t take that lightly. Our pharmacy adheres to strict quality and safety protocols, utilizing only high-grade ingredients and advanced compounding techniques. Every preparation undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure potency, purity, and stability.

Each medication is prepared in our sterile compounding facility using pharmaceutical-grade equipment and follows USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards. Our pharmacists document every step of the compounding process, creating a detailed record that ensures consistency and accountability. Every preparation comes with clear instructions to provide confident and accurate dosing at home, including proper storage guidelines and expiration dates.

Because Your Child Deserves a Perfect Fit

No two children are alike. So why should their medications be?

A 2-year-old’s needs differ vastly from those of a 10-year-old, not just in dosage but also in delivery method, flavour preferences, and even the timing of administration. Some children have difficulty with traditional tablets or capsules, while others may have feeding tubes that require liquid formulations. Some medications may need to be given multiple times per day, making palatability even more crucial for compliance.

Whether your child needs a hard-to-find dosage, a discontinued drug, or a better-tasting version of something they’ve refused in the past, we’re here to help. Pediatric compounding isn’t just about making things easier; it’s about making a difference. It’s about creating treatments that work for the child who needs them—solutions that fit seamlessly into your family’s routine, ensuring your child receives the exact medication they need for optimal health outcomes.

Getting Started

Discuss compounding options with your child’s doctor, or contact one of our compounding pharmacists to learn more. We’re here to partner with you in your child’s healthcare journey, providing personalized solutions that make treatment more effective and less stressful for the entire family.

More of our compounding services

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Injectables

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Dermatology

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BHRT

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Wound Care

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Scarring Keloids

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Pigmentation Abnormalities

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Alopecia

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Rosacea

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Pruritus

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Psoriasis

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Podiatry

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Acne

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Find a Dispensaries Ltd Location Near You

We’re proud to serve communities across the region and throughout Alberta with care and convenience.

Each of our stores is staffed by knowledgeable, compassionate professionals ready to help you with everything from compounding pharmacy services to supplement guidance and beyond.