Background and importance In a paediatric hospital, we often face the lack of commercially available medicines suitable or even licensed for use in paediatrics. Furthermore, authorised paediatric medicines, especially in younger children and neonates, may not always be age appropriate regarding dose, suitability of dosage forms and excipients. Compounding is the main solution to the problem, so the compounding area becomes essential in this type of centre.

Aim and objectives The objective was to detect the therapeutic groups (TG) which need the most compounded formulas in a paediatric hospital, to highlight the necessity of child friendly medicines.

Material and methods In 2018, a retrospective study was conducted analysing the different compounded formulas and amount of preparations, comparing data with the hospital formulary and classifying them according to specific therapeutic groups, in line with the anatomic, therapeutic, chemical classification system. Data were compared with the total hospital formulary references.

Results A total of 125 non-sterile compounded formulas with 105 different active ingredients were prepared, and were classified into compounded oral liquid forms (OLF), representing 46.5% of the total OLF of the hospital formulary, oral solid forms (OSF), representing 5.5% of the total OSF, and topical solid forms (TSO), representing 28% of the total TSO.

Conclusion and relevance The TG with the most need for compounded formulas were: cardiovascular disorders, digestive system and metabolism or nervous system. The hospital pharmacy of paediatric hospitals which care for complex patients face many difficulties in providing age appropriate medicines regarding dose, suitability of the dosage form or excipient content. Compounding is the main solution.

References and/or acknowledgements Acknowledgements to all pharmacy staff.

No conflict of interest.