Compounded medicine
Made for an individual
A pharmacist prepares a specific formulation in response to an individual prescription or other lawful request.
A guide to compounding
What does a compounding pharmacy do?
Compounding is the preparation of a medicine for an individual patient when a standard manufactured product does not meet the identified need and a pharmacist determines the preparation can be made appropriately.
The central distinction
Individual preparation versus batch manufacture
Both are part of medicine supply, but they serve different purposes and operate at different scales.
Manufactured medicine
Made in standardised batches
A manufacturer produces a fixed formulation at scale for broader distribution through pharmacies and other health services.
Compounding is not automatically a substitute for a commercially available medicine. The prescriber and pharmacist consider whether an appropriate commercial option already exists and whether compounding is suitable for the particular request.
Why it may be considered
When a standard product does not meet the identified need
These are common reasons for a prescriber and pharmacist to discuss compounding—not confirmation that compounding is suitable in a particular case.
A different strength is required
A prescriber may need a strength that is not available in a suitable commercial product.
A different dosage form is needed
A liquid, cream or another form may be considered when the available form cannot be used as prescribed.
An ingredient presents a problem
The pharmacist may assess whether a formulation can be prepared without a particular colour, flavour, filler or preservative.
A medicine is unavailable
Compounding may sometimes be considered when an appropriate commercial medicine is discontinued or temporarily unavailable.
A veterinary formulation is required
A veterinarian may prescribe a suitable strength or dosage form for an individual animal when a commercial option does not meet the need.
Administration is difficult
A prescriber and pharmacist may discuss another formulation when swallowing or administering the available product is impractical.
From prescription to supply
How the process may work
The exact process varies by pharmacy and formulation, but pharmacist assessment remains central.
A need is identified
A prescriber considers whether the available commercial medicines meet the individual patient’s needs.
The prescription is assessed
The pharmacist reviews the prescription and may speak with the prescriber about the requested formulation.
The formulation is checked
The pharmacy considers ingredients, compatibility, stability, equipment and whether it has the capability to prepare the medicine.
The medicine is prepared and checked
If the pharmacy can proceed, trained staff prepare the medicine and the pharmacist completes the required checks before supply.
Instructions are provided
The patient receives labelling and pharmacy advice about use, storage and the preparation’s beyond-use date.
Formulation examples
Compounded medicines can take different forms
The dosage form depends on the prescription, formulation evidence and the pharmacy’s capabilities.
Browse directory specialtiesCapsules
Individual strengths or ingredients prepared in a solid oral form.
Oral liquids
Liquid preparations where a suitable commercial liquid is not available.
Creams and ointments
Topical preparations designed for application to a specified area.
Troches and lozenges
Preparations intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth when prescribed.
Drops
Specialised liquid preparations that require the appropriate pharmacy facilities and expertise.
Veterinary forms
Strengths, flavours or dosage forms prescribed for an individual animal.
Before choosing a pharmacy
Questions to ask the pharmacist
A pharmacy listing identifies recognised specialties, but the pharmacist is the right person to confirm the details of a prescription and preparation.
Common questions
Compounding pharmacy FAQs
Capabilities and processes vary, so confirm prescription-specific details directly with the pharmacy.
Is a compounded medicine the same as a manufactured medicine?
No. A manufactured medicine is produced in batches to a fixed formula for broader use. A compounded medicine is prepared for an identified patient in response to a prescription or other lawful request. Different regulatory and supply requirements apply.
Can every medicine be compounded?
No. The pharmacist must assess the prescription, the formulation and the pharmacy’s facilities and expertise. Some ingredients, dosage forms or requests may not be suitable or possible to prepare.
Do all compounding pharmacies prepare the same things?
No. Capabilities vary by pharmacy, equipment, facilities and pharmacist expertise. Contact the pharmacy and ask whether it can assess the prescription before making arrangements.
How long does a compounded medicine take to prepare?
Preparation time varies with the formulation, ingredient availability, checking requirements and the pharmacy’s workflow. Ask the pharmacy for an estimate after it has reviewed the prescription.
Find a pharmacy near you
Search first, then confirm directly
Use your suburb or postcode to find listed pharmacies and ask whether a pharmacist can assess the prescription.