A compounding pharmacist is a problem-solver working with the patient and physician to gain a positive therapeutic outcome. The profession of pharmacy has always been based on this triad relationship. There are many reasons to use compounded medications, including the following:
- Need for varied dosage form (liquid vs. tablet or capsule)
- Strength needed is not commercially available
- Patient allergic to dyes or fillers
- Medication of choice has been discontinued
- Problem not responding to conventional treatment
- Bad taste prohibits patient from taking medication
- Difficulty or inability to swallow
- Need to incorporate more than one drug in a dosage form
