When you need medicine, your doctor or pharmacist might give you a pill (oral medication) or something you put on your skin (topical medication). But have you ever wondered why one is chosen over the other? Let’s explore the science behind topical vs oral medications, and how compounding pharmacies in Toronto like SanoMed help you get the best option for your needs.

What Are Oral Medications?

Oral medications are pills, tablets, capsules, or liquids you swallow. Once you take them, they travel to your stomach and get absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, the medicine goes all over your body. This is called “systemic” absorption, because the medicine works throughout your whole system.

Best for: Conditions that need body-wide treatment, like infections, chronic illnesses, or pain relief.

Common examples: Antibiotics, blood pressure pills, diabetes medication, and many more.

What Are Topical Medications?

Topical medications are creams, gels, ointments, patches, or sprays you put directly on your skin or affected area. Instead of going through your whole body, they target a specific spot.

Best for: Skin problems, muscle aches, local pain, rashes, or conditions where you want fewer side effects.

Common examples: Steroid creams, pain-relief gels, antifungal ointments, and some hormone therapies.

Topical vs Oral: Which Is Better?

It depends on your condition and needs. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Topical medications deliver medicine right where you need it, so you get fast relief and fewer side effects. They’re great for skin issues, muscle pain, or when you can’t swallow pills.
• Oral medications are best when your whole body needs treatment, or when the problem is inside your body and can’t be reached from the outside.

Why Choose Compounded Medication?

At SanoMed, our compounding pharmacy in downtown Toronto can create custom medications in both oral and topical forms, based on what works best for you. If you have trouble swallowing pills, need a specific strength, or want a medication without certain allergens or fillers, compounding gives you options.

We can even flavour oral medications or make topical creams with exact doses tailored to your body and your condition.

When Should You Talk to a Compounding Pharmacist?

• If regular medicine doesn’t work for you.
• If you have allergies to certain ingredients.
• If you need a different form (like a cream instead of a pill).
• If you want to avoid side effects from systemic meds.

Order from SanoMed Compounding Pharmacy in downtown Toronto – where your health and comfort come first. Call us or visit today to get started with a solution made just for you.