Key Terms
What is an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)?
Any substance in a compounded preparation that provides pharmacological activity.
What does it mean to Calibrate?
To gauge or adjust a measuring instrument with a standard scale.
What is a Compounded Sterile Preparation (CSP)?
A medication prepared with aseptic technique in a sterile environment.
What are Excipients?
Inactive substances used to give a medication form, stability, or consistency.
What is Levigation?
The process of reducing particle size of a solid by mixing it with a small amount of liquid or base.
What are Agglomerations?
Clusters, lumps, or clumps of ingredients that are undesired in a mixture.
What is a Class III Prescription Balance?
A two-pan balance used to weigh materials (120 mg–120 g) with ±6 mg sensitivity.
What is Compounding?
The process of preparing a medication for an individual patient from bulk ingredients.
What is Extemporaneous Compounding?
Nonsterile compounding done for a specific patient’s immediate need when no commercial product exists.
What is a Meniscus?
The curved surface of a liquid in a graduated cylinder; read from the center for accuracy.
What is an Autoclave?
A device that uses heat and pressure to sterilize instruments and materials.
What is Comminution?
Reducing a substance into small, fine particles by grinding or pulverizing.
What is a Compounding Record?
A detailed document listing ingredients, amounts, and instructions for compounding a specific medication.
What are Forceps?
Stainless steel pincers used to pick up small objects such as pharmacy weights.
What is a Mortar and Pestle?
Equipment used to crush, grind, or mix ingredients in compounding.
What is a Beyond Use Date (BUD)?
The date after which a drug should not be used once removed from its original container.
What is a Component?
Any ingredient in a compounded product.
What is a Diluent?
An inactive ingredient added to dilute or carry the active drug.
What is the Geometric Dilution Method?
Gradually mixing active and inactive ingredients in proportion for uniform distribution.
What is Non-Sterile Compounding?
The preparation of a medication that does not require a sterile environment, often done in a community pharmacy.
What is Blending?
Combining two substances using nongrinding techniques such as sifting or tumbling.
What is a Compounded Preparation?
A patient-specific medication made on-site from individual ingredients.
What is an Emollient?
An ointment base used to soften and moisturize the skin or to prepare topical formulations.
What is a Graduated Cylinder?
A calibrated vessel used to measure liquid volumes accurately.
What is an Ointment Slab?
A flat, hard, nonabsorbent surface used to mix ointments or creams.