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

The term "compounding" in pharmacy specifically refers to the process of combining or altering ingredients to create a personalized medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient. This process is particularly important when a patient requires a medication that is not commercially available in the required dosage form, strength, or flavor. For example, if a patient is allergic to a certain excipient in a commercially available formulation, a pharmacist may compound a medication without that ingredient. Compounding allows pharmacists to customize medications to improve the treatment outcomes for patients, ensuring that their therapeutic needs are met in a safe and effective manner.

This nuanced practice is distinct from simply filling prescriptions or creating generic medications, as those processes do not involve the personal customization of medication formulations. Evaluating drug interactions is also a critical role of pharmacists, but it pertains to assessing the safety and efficacy of drug combinations rather than the preparation of specific, individualized medications.