The art of pharmaceutical compounding has ancient roots dating back to early hunter gatherer societies. These ancient civilizations utilized pharmaceutical compounding for religion, grooming, keeping the healthy well, treating the ill and preparing the dead. These ancient compounders produced the first oils from plants and animals. They discovered poisons and the antidotes. They made ointments for wounded patients as well as perfumes for customers.

Today compounding is still a necessary skill for many pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Extemporaneous compounding is required for prescription orders that are not commercially available in the requested strength or dosage form.

There are two types of pharmaceutical compounding, sterile and non-sterile. This Entry will primarily focus on non-sterile compounding.

Basic steps for preparing compounded drug preparations

Legal issues

Lab safety

Equipment

Weighing and measuring

Weighing

Measuring

Definitions

Compounded dosage forms

Labeling

See also

References