US Medical Term · medicines
Compounding Pharmacy
Farmacia de Preparados
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Compounding Pharmacy |
| Spanish (Español) | Farmacia de Preparados |
| Chinese (中文) | 制剂药房 |
| Korean (한국어) | 조제 약국 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhà thuốc pha chế |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Compounding Pharmacy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Farmácia de Manipulação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ร้านขายยาที่ปรุงยาเฉพาะ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 調剤薬局（コンパウンディング） |
What it means
A compounding pharmacy prepares customized medications to meet the specific needs of individual patients when commercially available drugs do not fit their requirements. Examples include adjusting drug strength, changing the dosage form (liquid instead of tablet), removing an allergen, or combining medications. Compounding pharmacies are regulated by state pharmacy boards and, in some cases, the FDA. Insurance typically does not cover compounded medications unless prior authorization is obtained. Quality and sterility standards vary among compounding pharmacies.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor sent my prescription to a compounding pharmacy because I need a special dose.
Mi médico envió mi receta a una farmacia de preparados porque necesito una dosis especial.
Will my insurance cover a compounded medication from a specialty pharmacy?
¿Mi seguro cubrirá un medicamento preparado de una farmacia especializada?
The compounding pharmacy made my medication in liquid form because I cannot swallow pills.
La farmacia de preparados hizo mi medicamento en forma líquida porque no puedo tragar pastillas.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: pharmacies and pharmacistsSources
Last reviewed: September 2026