What Is Compounding?

Compounding is the art and science of creating custom medications. Compounding medication is an often unknown yet integral part of the practice of pharmacy. Compounded medications are prescribed by a physician, veterinarian, or other legally authorized prescribers. Compounded medications are individualized for each patient by a specially trained pharmacist for unique situations, such as:

• When a child needs a smaller dose of a medicine that is only available commercially at larger doses or needs a medication made into a liquid that is only available in a capsule or tablet.
• When a patient has allergies to the inactive ingredients (such as corn or dyes) in manufactured medications.
• When a doctor believes a medicine is needed for their patient that has been discontinued or has never been commercially available.