Podiatrists may have many needs for compounded medications.

Commonly prescribed compounds for podiatry include*:

Onychomycosis – nail fungus

Having a compounded prescription medication may overcome problems associated with other medications. We can dissolve an antifungal in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) that has superior nail penetration and it is able to deliver an antifungal to the site of infection.

Examples of antifungals that can be compounded in DMSO are azole antifungals and terbinafine.

Commonly prescribed formulas*:

• Itraconazole 1%/Ibuprofen 2% in DMSO nail polish
• Itraconazole 1%/Undecylenic Acid 17% in Tea Tree Oil-DMSO nail polish
• Itraconazole 1%/Undecylenic Acid 17%/Salicylic Acid 10% in Tea Tree Oil-DMSO nail polish
• Ketoconazole/Tea Tree Oil/DMSO Antifungal Solution
• Terbinafine 1.67% Topical Solution

Warts

There are some unique treatments for warts that can be prepared by a compounding pharmacist involving the drugs Cimetidine, trichloroacetic acid, and 5-fluorouracial.

Cimetidine at doses of 40mg/kg orally has been used to for recalcitrant multiple warts.

Commonly prescribed formulas*:

• Cimetidine 5%/DDG 0.2%/Tea Tree Oil 10%/Ibuprofen 2% transdermal
• Salicylic Acid 40% Ointment
• Salicylic Acid Compound Collodion
• Salicylic Acid 28% Polymeric Substrate
• Trichloroacetic Acid 2%/Salicylic Acid 60%

Non-Surgical Nail Removal

There is a compounded preparation that will allow for non-surgical nail removal that may be required for non-dermatophytic fungal infections.

Possible formula*:

• Urea 40% ointment

Diabetic Neuropathy

There are numerous medications that are commercially available to treat diabetic neuropathy and help return sensitization. Some of the drugs used to treat diabetic neuropathy are amitriptyline, baclofen, ketamine, gabapentin, and clonidine. Diabetic patients can benefit from topical combinations of these medications that are not commercially available. Combinations of topical medications may have fewer adverse effects as well as using one medication rather than several.

Commonly Prescribed Formulas*:

• Baclofen 5%/Ketoprofen 10%/Lidocaine 5%/Gabapentin 5% transdermal
• Ketamine 10%/Gabapentin 6%/Clonidine 0.2%/Lidocaine 2% transdermal
• Ketamine 10%/Gabapentin 6%/Clonidine 0.2%/Nidedipine 2% transdermal
• Gabapentin 6%/Clonidine 0.2% transdermal
• Clonidine 0.2%/Gabapentin 6%/Ketamine 10% transdermal

For additional information on diabetic care see our diabetic page.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet and Foot Odor

Many of the commercial products prepared for hyperhidrosis feet contain the drugs aluminum, atropine or scopolamine, formaldehyde, methenamine and glycopyrrolate. Methenamine is a pro-drug that is converted to the active drug formaldehyde. Aluminum chlorohydrate is a common ingredient found in many over-the-counter antiperspirants.

Commonly Prescribed Formulas*:

• Methenamine 5% Clear Lotion/Gel
• Methenamine 5% Deodorant Stick
• Methenamine 5%/Benzalkonium Chloride 2%
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate 5% and 10% Topical Antiperspirant Cream
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate 5% Topical Powder
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate 7.7% Topical Paste
• Formaldehyde Roll-on Deodorant
• Glycopyrrolate 0.25%/Tea Tree Oil 2.5% Deodorant/Antipersirant

Inflammation and Pain

Most topicals for inflammation and pain due to sprains and strains can be made from various NSAIDs in PLO containing ketoprofen. Of all the medications used topically in podiatry, NSAIDs probably have the most clinical data behind their use. The NSAIDs can be combined with a muscle relaxer or topical anesthetic if desired.

Monst Commonly Prescribed Formulas*:

• Ketoprofen 10%/Cyclobenzaprine 1-2% transdermal
• Ketoprofen 10%/Lidocaine 5%/Bupivacaine 2% transdermal
• ABC Cream

Wound Healing and Circulation Improvement

Nifedipine has been used in concentrations of 0.2% to 10% PLO gel in an effort to enhance circulation in areas of ischemia. Higher concentrations are used by pharmacists, but the lower doses are a better starting point due to the hypotensive properties of this drug.

The same vaso-dialation properties that make it work well orally in diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and Raynaud’s syndrome could also make it work well as an agent to rub on areas around diabetic ulcers and in ischemic areas to aid in blood flow.

Transdermal nifedipine PLO should be dispensed in an amber bag because of its light sensitivity. The patient should be monitored for decreased blood pressure while using the preparation, and the wound should be monitored for signs of healing (skin becoming more pink, vascularized and skin dryness around the wound. For more diabetic formulations, click here.

Commonly Prescribed Formulas:

• Nifedipine 4-16% transdermal
• Pentoxifylline 5% Lipoderm For additional information on diabetic care see our diabetic page.

Additional preparations for Podiatrists*:

• Decubitus ulcers
• Transdermal anti-inflammatory agents
• Treating calluses
• Skin softeners & moisturizers
• Transdermal treatments for neuropathy
• Keratinolytic agents
• Wound Care
• Plantar fasciitis (Heel Spurs)
• Anti-fungal foot powders
• Muscle & joint pain