This month, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) published the fifth edition of the leading textbook on pharmaceutical compounding, The Art, Science, and Technology of Pharmaceutical Compounding.

The book is authored by Loyd V. Allen Jr., PhD, the accomplished, preeminent authority on compounding. He is Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding; Editor in Chief of Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy; and Professor Emeritus at the College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma. Allen has written more than 200 refereed publications and abstracts in the scientific and professional literature. The esteemed author is also a principal author of Ansel’s Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, and he has written a monthly compounding column since 1988 for the trade journal U.S. Pharmacist.           

The book is geared to both student pharmacists taking laboratory classes and practicing pharmacists. It presents, in a logical and progressive format, all the information a student needs to understand the purpose and processes of compounding. The book includes the essential information on establishing, equipping, and operating a compounding pharmacy. In addition, it discusses all aspects of good manufacturing practices for compounded medications, and it features quality control measures for all aspects of compounding.

For practitioners who already compound prescription medications, the hardbound book is a ready reference featuring more than 200 sample formulations, including bases, vehicles, and ingredient-specific preparations. Each formulation lists the necessary ingredients and gives step-by-step instructions for preparing the product. The new edition contains three new chapters—“Pharmaceutical Compounding Errors,” “Foams,” and “Compounding with Special Ingredients.”  Information on the new law affecting compounding, the Drug Quality and Security Act, is incorporated throughout the book.

The Art, Science, and Technology of Pharmaceutical Compounding, 5th edition (ISBN 978-1-58212-263-2; hardbound; 699 pages; $99.95 [$79.95 for APhA members]) may be ordered online (www.pharmacist.com/shop_apha) or by phone (800-878-0729).

Pharmacy school faculty who wish to consider the book for classroom adoption may register at NetGalley (www.netgalley.com) to request a digital desk copy.