A prescription must be compounded based on what?

A prescription must be compounded based on a specific order for an individual patient because compounding is inherently a personalized process. It involves preparing a medication that is tailored to meet the unique needs of a patient who may have specific requirements that commercially available medications cannot fulfill. This can include modifications in dosage, flavoring, or formulation, as determined by a healthcare provider.

When a prescription is issued, it signifies that a licensed practitioner has evaluated the patient's needs and deemed that a compounded medication is necessary for that patient's particular condition. This requirement ensures that the compounding process is patient-centered and complies with legal and ethical standards within the practice of pharmacy.

The other options do not align with the legal and ethical framework governing prescription compounding. General public demand is too broad and not suitable for compounding, which must be patient-specific. Seeking maximum profit conflicts with the primary goal of patient care and individual treatment. Relying solely on pharmacist discretion undermines the collaborative relationship between practitioners and pharmacists in managing patient care. Therefore, a specific order for an individual patient is the foundational requirement for compounding prescriptions.