Troche
A small lozenge that dissolves between the gum and cheek to deliver medication via the oral mucosa.
A troche is a small medicated lozenge that dissolves slowly between the gum and cheek, delivering medication via the oral mucosa. Compounding pharmacies prepare troches when a prescriber wants a non-swallowed dosage form, often for hormone replacement therapy.
Troches are useful for patients who cannot or prefer not to swallow capsules and tablets, and for medications that are well absorbed through the oral mucosa.
Compounded troches are prepared per prescription in a strength, base, and flavor specified by the prescriber and pharmacy. Common applications include hormone replacement therapy and some sleep, pain, and supplement formulations.
Patients should follow the pharmacy's specific instructions on placement, dissolve time, and not swallowing the troche directly, since proper use is what makes the dosage form work.
Related Specialties
Related Terms
Compounding Pharmacy
A pharmacy that prepares customized medications for an individual patient based on a prescriber's order.
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hormone replacement therapy using hormones chemically identical to those produced by the human body, often prepared by a compounding pharmacy in customized strengths and delivery forms.