Compounding medications refers to the process of customizing medications to meet the specific needs of individual patients. This may involve altering the strength, dosage form, or ingredients of a medication to better suit a patient’s unique medical needs. Compounded medications are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider and prepared by a licensed pharmacist in a compounding pharmacy.

Compounding can be especially helpful for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, need medications in a specific dosage form or strength that is not commercially available, or have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients found in commercially available medications. For example, a pharmacist may compound a medication into a cream or gel form for a patient who has trouble swallowing pills, or adjust the dosage of a medication to better suit a patient’s weight or age.

Compounding medications can also be used to create specialized medications for veterinary patients, such as flavored medications for pets that are difficult to administer orally.

It’s important to note that compounded medications are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that commercially available medications are. However, compounding pharmacies are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and must adhere to strict quality standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of compounded medications. Patients should always work closely with their healthcare provider and pharmacist to determine if compounded medications are a good option for their individual medical needs.