What is the definition of a "compounding pharmacy"?

The definition of a "compounding pharmacy" is centered around its role in preparing personalized medications according to specific prescriptions. This practice involves tailoring the medication to meet the unique needs of individual patients, which may include altering dosage forms, strengths, or combining multiple medications into one formulation. Compounding pharmacists use their knowledge of pharmaceutical science and chemistry to create these custom medications safely and effectively, ensuring that each preparation meets the specific health requirements of a patient.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of a compounding pharmacy. Selling over-the-counter medications does not involve any customization for individual patients, while pharmaceutical research focuses more on developing new drugs rather than preparing personalized medications. The provision of only sterile products is also a limitation; while compounding pharmacies can produce sterile preparations, they also prepare non-sterile products tailored to patients' needs, which highlights the breadth of their compounding services.