A review of the clinical indications, general principles and techniques related to compounding.

ABSTRACT

Extemporaneous compounding is a means to tailor a medication to an individual patient's needs and may be required when no commercial product exists to meet that need. Compounded products range from buffered lidocaine to topical creams and ointments. This article outlines the clinical indications and general principles related to the manufacture of topical and common formulations.