Compounding Pharmacist: Job Description & Skills

A compounding pharmacist mixes prescription drugs to a doctor's orders so that a patient gets a personalized dose of medication. Compounding pharmacists usually work in specialized compounding pharmacies, as most regular pharmacies use medications in standard dosages and do a minimal amount of compounding.

Mixing Medications

• A compounding pharmacist mixes medications such as ointments, creams, suppositories, drops, suppositories and other forms of medication. These drugs may be for humans or pets for such applications as hormone replacement therapy, anti-aging, thyroid management, dermatology, autism, HIV and diabetes.

Other Duties

• A compounding pharmacist may also be responsible for other duties such as maintaining a clean room used to mix medications. Compounding pharmacists also must maintain licensing in the state where they practice.

Salary

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that pharmacists, including compounding pharmacists, earn a median annual salary of $106,410 as of 2008.