Ohio Pharmacy Law Practice Test

Does the Board consider the reconstitution of medications by pharmacies to be classified as compounding?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only for certain medications

4. Only in outpatient settings

The correct answer is: Yes

The reconstitution of medications by pharmacies is classified as compounding according to Ohio pharmacy law. Compounding involves the preparation of a medication tailored to the specific needs of a patient, which includes altering the dosage form, altering the ingredients, or, as in the case of reconstitution, mixing or adding additional components to a sterile or non-sterile medication to prepare it for patient use. When a pharmacy reconstitutes a medication—such as adding water to a powdered antibiotic—it is fundamentally altering the original product from its manufactured state to make it suitable for administration. This practice aligns with the definition of compounding because it is a modification of the pharmaceutical product intended to meet the individual requirements of a patient. This classification remains consistent regardless of the setting, whether it is an inpatient or outpatient pharmacy. Given that compounding is defined by the alteration of the medication for a specific use or patient requirement, recognizing reconstitution as compounding is essential for maintaining safety standards, quality control, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements in pharmacy practice.