Compounded and Alternative Veterinary Medications

You’ve searched for a medication that may be supplied under the veterinary prescribing cascade. This usually means the treatment isn’t available as a standard licensed veterinary product, or a specific formulation has been prescribed.

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What is a compounded medication?

Compounded medications are treatments made to order by specialist compounding providers. They are typically used when:

• No licensed veterinary medicine is available
• A different strength or formulation is required
• A patient cannot tolerate standard products

These medications are prescribed under the veterinary prescribing cascade, which allows vets to use alternative treatments when appropriate.

Common examples include:

• Cisapride
• Transdermal methimazole
• Transdermal amlodipine
• Tylosin formulations for specific dosing
• and many more

These are not standard stocked medications and are individually prepared for each patient.

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Special Import (SIC) medications

Some medications used in veterinary treatment are not authorised in the UK and must be imported under a Special Import Certificate (SIC). These are typically prescribed when no suitable UK-authorised alternative is available.

These are also prescribed under the veterinary prescribing cascade.

Common examples include:

• Sucralfate (e.g. Antepsin)
• Entyce (capromorelin oral solution)
• Elura (capromorelin oral solution for cats)

These medications are not stocked within standard UK distribution channels and must be imported on a case-by-case basis.

Due to regulatory requirements, SIC medications:

• Can only be supplied directly by the prescribing veterinary practice
• Cannot be supplied via third-party providers such as Vetalia
• Must be ordered and dispensed by the vet responsible for the animal’s care

This means that even with a valid prescription, these medications are not available for direct supply outside of your veterinary practice.

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Not all prescriptions require compounding

In some cases, a medication may appear to require compounding, but a suitable licensed or standard human formulation can be used instead.

For example:

• Clopidogrel 18.75mg is often prescribed as a compounded product, but standard 75mg tablets may be used with adjusted dosing
• Amantadine is commonly available as 100mg capsules, with lower strengths often requiring compounding

In these situations, an appropriate alternative can sometimes be supplied with confirmation from your vet.

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Why can’t some medications be supplied online?

In the UK, compounded medications and certain imported medicines are supplied under strict regulations.

• Compounded medications must be supplied via the prescribing veterinary practice
• SIC medications must also be supplied directly by the prescribing vet
• They cannot be dispensed by third-party providers or online retailers

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Looking for a different medication?

Some prescriptions may not require compounding and can be supplied as licensed or standard formulations under the veterinary prescribing cascade.

If you're unsure, we’re happy to help — just send us your prescription and we can advise on the most appropriate option.

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Vetalia is an independent, UK-based veterinary medicines service operating in accordance with VMD and RCVS regulations. All prescription medications require a valid veterinary prescription.