Compounding
Compounding is the preparation by a pharmacist of a customized medication according to a doctor's specifications to meet an individual patient need. Pharmacists compound medications by starting with pure chemicals, measuring quantities by the use of accurately calibrated devices, and combining the chemicals in such a way as to create a therapeutically effective and stable final dosage form customized for maximum patient acceptability and benefit.
Compounding is inherent in pharmacy practice. It is
the birthright of the profession. The practice of preparing medications dates back to biblical times.
In modern times, the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists have coincided with the industrial revolution
and the changes in health care. In the 1930's and 1940's, approximately 60% of all medications were compounded. During the 1950's and 1960's, with the advent of manufacturing, compounding decreased. Pharmacists
were thankful for the opportunity to fill prescriptions
pre-made from the manufacturers. It was during this time
that the role of the pharmacist went from that of an apothecary or chemist, preparing medications from scratch, to that of a dispenser of the manufactured dosage form.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy have distributed "Good Compounding Practices Applicable to State-Licensed Pharmacies" and the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention, Inc. drafted "Pharmacy Compounding Practices". These two documents mark the importance of compounding as part of quality medical care in the United States and establish standards for the entire profession of pharmacy.
