Maintaining a healthy gut is about more than just avoiding a “stomach ache.” For residents in The Glebe, Old Ottawa South, Alta Vista, and Nepean, the local lifestyle—while active—can often lead to digestive hurdles like low fibre intake, persistent bloating, or the painful discomfort of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
At Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy Glebe, we specialize in personalized care that goes beyond the shelf. Whether you are dealing with chronic constipation or looking for specialized hemorrhoid relief, we are here to help you navigate your digestive health with solutions tailored specifically to you.
The Warning Signs: Do You Need More Fibre?
Fibre is the “sweeper” of the digestive tract.
If you live in Ottawa and find yourself grabbing quick meals on the go, watch for these signs:
- Frequent Constipation & Straining: Without fibre, stool lacks the bulk and moisture needed to pass easily.
- Persistent Bloating: Fibre moves food along; without it, fermentation in the gut leads to gas.
- The Development of Hemorrhoids: Chronic straining is a leading cause of hemorrhoids and fissures. Fibre softens the stool, providing the first line of defense.
Targeted Relief: Compounded Hemorrhoid Preparations
When over-the-counter (OTC) ointments fail to provide relief, compounded preparations offer a more potent, customized solution. Because certain standard commercial ingredients—like nitroglycerin ointment—are currently unavailable or discontinued in Canada, compounding allows us to provide effective alternatives.
At Whole Health Pharmacy Glebe, we work with your physician to prepare specialized formulations using active ingredients targeted at pain, muscle relaxation, and healing:
- Diltiazem (2%): A calcium channel blocker that helps relax the internal anal sphincter muscle and improve blood flow to the area. It is a preferred alternative to nitroglycerin, as it is widely available for compounding and often has a lower risk of causing headaches.
- Nifedipine (0.2% – 0.5%): Another effective calcium channel blocker used to promote the healing of anal fissures by reducing muscle spasms.
- Lidocaine: A local anesthetic that provides immediate numbing to relieve intense pain and itching.
- Hydrocortisone: A powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling and redness.
- Sucralfate: Acts as a mechanical barrier to protect irritated tissue and accelerate the healing process.
Professional Quality & Safety Standards
Regulatory Note: In strict accordance with OCP and NAPRA standards, we ensure all non-sterile creams and ointments are prepared with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. While we handle many preparations in-house, if your treatment requires a sterile dosage form, we source these from a certified sterile compounding lab that follows the highest national standards for safety and purity.
The Power of Probiotics for Gut Health
While fibre acts as the “fuel,” probiotics are the “workers.” Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that support a healthy microbiome, helping to reduce bloating and support your immune system.
Note: While Whole Health Pharmacy Glebe does not compound probiotics in-house, we curate a selection of high-quality, evidence-based probiotic supplements and can provide professional guidance on which strain is right for your specific condition.
Serving The Glebe, Alta Vista, and Beyond
We are proud to be the health resource for our neighbors in The Glebe, Old Ottawa South, Alta Vista, and Nepean. By following NAPRA and OCP regulations, we ensure that every preparation—from a high-potency fibre recommendation to a custom Diltiazem/Lidocaine ointment—meets the highest provincial standards.
FAQ: Digestive Health & Compounding
1. Why is Nitroglycerin ointment hard to find, and is Diltiazem a good substitute?
Nitroglycerin ointment has faced long-term manufacturing discontinuations in Canada. Compounded Diltiazem is a common and effective alternative that works similarly to relax muscles and promote healing, often with fewer side effects like headaches.
2. How do I get a compounded hemorrhoid cream?
Specialized ingredients like Diltiazem or Nifedipine require a valid prescription from your doctor. We can consult with your healthcare provider to suggest specific formulations based on your needs.
3. Do you deliver to Nepean or Alta Vista?
Yes! We provide service to the broader Ottawa area to ensure you get the specialized care you need, even if you can’t make it to our Glebe location in person.
4. Can I take fibre and probiotics together?
Absolutely. Fibre is a “prebiotic” that feeds the “probiotics.” They work together to maintain a balanced and regular digestive system.