What is compounding?

The compounding of medications is an age-old art dating back as far as the ancient Egyptians.  A compounding pharmacist uses raw chemicals, powders and special equipment to make medications. This results in a customized medication made by a pharmacist according to a doctor’s directions to meet an individual patient need.

 The need for compounded medications?

A compounding pharmacist is a problem-solver working with the patient and physician to gain a positive therapeutic outcome.  The profession of pharmacy has always been based on this triad relationship.  There are many reasons to use compounded medications, including the following:

• Need for varied dosage form (liquid vs. tablet or capsule)

• Strength needed not commercially available

• Patient allergic to dyes or fillers

• Medication of choice has been discontinued

• Problem not responding to conventional treatment

• Bad taste prohibits patient from taking medication

• Difficulty or inability to swallow

• Need to incorporate more than one drug in a dosage form