Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its practice dates back to the origins of pharmacy. With the advent of drug manufacturing in the 1950s and 60s, the pharmacist's role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. Within the last 2 decades, compounding has experienced a resurgence as modern technology and innovative techniques have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to meet specific patient needs.

Many patients may be allergic to preservatives or dyes found in commercially available medications. A compounding pharmacists can, with your physicians consent, reformulate the medication leaving out non-essential excipients.

Some patients are unable to take certain medication by mouth because of gastro-intestinal side effects, such as anti-inflammatory agents used for arthritis. These medications can be reformulated by a compounding pharmacist to be administered on the skin instead.

Often, parents have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent such as vanilla, butternut or tutti-frutti that provides both an appropriate match for the medication's properties and the patient's taste preferences.

Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosage needs and almost any prescription can be compounded. Is custom compounding right for you? Ask your physician or your R DRUGS ETC pharmacist today about the benefits of personalized prescription compounding.