Got questions?

8 FAQs

FAQs

• How do I set up a stock solution, dilution, powder blend, or aliquot for use in formulations?

  Create the stock solution as an Aliquot/Dilution ingredient in Compound Direct, then manufacture and sign off the batch. Once approved, it can be selected as an ingredient in other formulations.

  For a detailed guide, see our blog:

  • How to create ingredient dilutions to reduce risk when compounding
• How do I use commercial drugs as ingredients in formulations?

  Commercial drugs can be added to Compound Direct as ingredients and then selected when building your formulations. This allows you to incorporate commercially available medicines directly into your compounding workflow.

  For a detailed guide, see our blog:

  • Using commercial medicines in compounding pharmacy
• How do I weigh a liquid ingredient?

  To enable weighing for a liquid ingredient, enter the liquid density on the ingredient batch record.

  The system uses the liquid density to convert the required quantity from mL to mg during the preparation stage. Once a density is available, the liquid can be weighed instead of measured by volume.

  If the option to weigh a liquid is not appearing:

  1. Open the relevant ingredient batch record.

  2. Check whether a liquid density has been entered. If it is blank, enter the appropriate liquid density.

  3. Return to the preparation stage. The system will then be able to calculate the required weight in mg.

  Note: This is why the weighing option may appear for some liquid ingredient batches but not others. It depends on whether a liquid density has been recorded for that specific batch.

  For a detailed guide, see our blog:

  • Behind the formula: What the system calculates for you
• Why are my ingredient quantities different from what I expected?

  Several factors can affect the calculated ingredient quantities and final strength of a formulation.

  First, check the adjustment factor and its inputs, as these directly influence the quantity required. Adjustment factors can be found under each ingredient batch.

  Calculations can also vary depending on the dosage form, as different dosage forms may use different calculation methods or additional factors. For example:

  • Moulded preparations may apply a displacement factor.

  • Capsules may use pack statistics.

  • Scooped preparations may account for powder displacement.

  The actual amount weighed can also affect the remaining quantities required. Small differences between the theoretical weight and the practical weight are expected due to measurement tolerances and ingredient properties.

  For base ingredients, the required quantity may change as other ingredients are weighed. The system recalculates the remaining base amount in real time, so bases or fillers are generally recommended to be weighed last.

  If the calculated quantities do not match your expectations, check the:

  • dosage form selected

  • adjustment factor and its inputs

  • dosage form calculation settings

  • applicable displacement or pack statistics

  • quantities already weighed

  Differences in any of these factors can result in different ingredient quantities or calculated strengths.

  For a detailed guide, see our blog:

  • Behind the formula: What the system calculates for you
• How to record multiple weighings using the same ingredient batch?

  This is typically needed when an ingredient cannot be weighed or contained in a single container at once. In this case, you can divide the weighing into multiple portions and continue recording the same ingredient batch until the desired quantity is reached.

  To do this:

  1. On the Preparation page, weigh the initial amount, then click ‘Confirm’.

  2. Click the three-dot icon next to the previously selected batch, then select ‘Record additional use’.

  3. Proceed with the next weighing and repeat the steps above until the desired quantity has been reached.

• How to record multiple weighings using different ingredient batches?

  This is useful when the required quantity needs to be weighed from multiple ingredient batches.

  For example, you may need to use the remaining quantity from an opened batch before opening a new one, or use remaining material from previously opened batches to fulfill the required quantity.

  To do this:

  1. On the Preparation page, select the ingredient batch using the checkbox icon.

  2. Weigh the initial amount and click ‘Confirm’.

  3. Select the next batch and proceed with weighing.

  4. Repeat these steps as needed until the required quantity has been reached.

• How to split weighing batch stock ingredients into multiple weighing parts?

  When preparing larger batches, it can be useful to divide the total quantity into multiple weighing parts. This helps when working with equipment limits or when a staged weighing process is preferred.

  1. On the Batch Stock record, click the ‘Manufacture Batch’ button

  2. On the Create Batch Manufacture modal, click ‘Prepare with changes’.

  3. On the Prepare Batch Manufacture modal, enter the desired final quantity (E.g., 600) and weighing parts on the bottom-right portion of the modal. (E.g., 2) This will allow you to weigh separate parts for each ingredient.

  4. During preparation, the system will allow you to weigh the same ingredient in 2 parts.

• Can compounded and commercial products be added to the same patient draft?

  Each draft applies to a single preparation or product. If a patient is prescribed multiple products, each product must be drafted and dispensed individually.

  However, a single order can contain multiple drafts/products for one patient, or drafts/products for multiple patients where required.

  This orders feature is available as part of the Premium package.

  For a detailed guide, see our blog:

  • Drafts to Orders: A guide to order creation in Compound Direct