Define "compounding" in pharmacy practice.

Compounding in pharmacy practice refers specifically to the preparation of personalized medications tailored to meet the unique needs of individual patients. This process is vital when commercially available medications do not meet the therapeutic requirements for specific patients, which may include dosage adjustments, specific formulations, or the exclusion of certain allergens or ingredients.

Compounding allows pharmacists to combine, mix, or alter ingredients to create a custom medication that is not available on the market, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their conditions. This practice is particularly important for patients who may need a different dosage form, such as a liquid instead of a tablet, or for those with unique health considerations that require specialized medicine.

The other options provided do not align with the definition of compounding; for instance, mass production refers to manufacturing and does not involve individual patient needs, while the destruction of unused medications is more related to waste management, and the sale of over-the-counter remedies pertains to retail practices rather than customization for patient therapy.