What does the term "compounding" refer to in pharmacy practice?

The term "compounding" in pharmacy practice specifically refers to the preparation of personalized medications tailored to meet the unique needs of individual patients. This process involves mixing, combining, or altering drug ingredients to create a formulation that is not commercially available. Compounding allows pharmacists to customize dosage forms, strengths, and delivery mechanisms based on the specific requirements or preferences of the patient, such as those who may have allergies to certain ingredients, difficulty swallowing pills, or require a specific dose that is not manufactured.

This practice is essential for ensuring that patients receive medications that are appropriate for their health conditions, which may not always be achievable with standard commercially produced medications. It highlights the role of pharmacists in providing individualized care and underscores the importance of pharmaceutical expertise in creating safe and effective drug therapies.