What is compounding in a pharmacy setting?

Compounding in a pharmacy refers to the process of creating customized medications by combining, mixing, or altering pharmaceutical ingredients to meet the specific needs of a patient. This practice is necessary when commercially available drugs do not meet the exact dosage, form, or ingredient requirements for certain individuals, such as those with allergies or difficulty swallowing pills. Compounding is performed by trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, following strict guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy. Common examples include flavoring medications for children, making topical creams, or preparing preservative-free formulations.