Compounding

Compounding is a practice in pharmacy where a licensed pharmacist, or a healthcare provider, combines, mixes, or alters ingredients of a drug to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient.

History

The history of compounding dates back to the origins of pharmacy itself. In ancient times, compounding was a routine activity among pharmacists. Medications were made by combining individual ingredients in the exact strength and dosage form required by the patient. This method was very common in the past, but has become increasingly rare due to the advent of mass drug manufacturing.

Modern Day Compounding

In the modern day, compounding is still a vital part of pharmacy practice. It is often used when the exact product a patient needs is not commercially available, or when a patient is allergic to an ingredient in a commercially available product. Compounding can also be used to change the form of a medication, for example, from a pill to a liquid, to make it easier for a patient to take.

Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies specialize in compounding, although many also dispense traditional prescription medications. In these pharmacies, high quality ingredients, advanced technology, and sophisticated techniques are used to ensure that compounded medications meet the individual needs of patients.

Regulation

Compounding is regulated by state boards of pharmacy. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has oversight for the integrity of the drugs (called Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, or APIs), but does not have the authority to regulate the practice of pharmacy, including compounding.

Risks and Benefits

Like any medical treatment, compounding has potential risks and benefits. The benefits include the ability to customize medication, which can improve patient compliance and potentially lead to better health outcomes. The risks include the possibility of human error in compounding the medication, and the lack of extensive testing that is required for mass-produced drugs.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Pharmacist
• Medication
• Food and Drug Administration

Compounding Resources
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