When a prescription cannot be filled with a commercially available medication, what process is used to prepare it?

The process of extemporaneous compounding is specifically employed when a prescription cannot be filled with a commercially available medication. This method involves customizing a medication to meet the unique needs of a patient, typically when an appropriate dosage form or strength is unavailable. Extemporaneous compounding allows pharmacists to mix or alter ingredients to create a medication that is tailored for a specific patient, ensuring proper dosage and efficacy.

This practice is essential in instances where commercially manufactured products either do not exist or are unsuitable for the patient's needs, such as when a patient requires a different concentration or formulation. The process adheres to strict guidelines and requires the pharmacist to use their knowledge of pharmaceutical science, as well as the proper techniques to ensure safety and effectiveness.

While the term prescription compounding refers broadly to the preparation of personalized medications, extemporaneous compounding specifies the immediate, on-demand preparation of those products. Pharmacy compounding encompasses all types, including extemporaneous, but does not exclusively focus on the immediate preparation aspect. Medication preparation is a general term that could refer to any method of preparing pharmaceuticals and does not give the specific context required for this scenario.