Pharmacists Urged to Revive Compounding Practices in Nigeria

During the 2026 Annual Summit of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria in Oyo State, Dr. Olufunk Dorothi Akin Ajani, an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Ibadan, called for a renewed focus on extemporaneous compounding to address medication gaps affecting vulnerable populations.

She highlighted that the practice remains a core responsibility of pharmacists but is increasingly neglected due to weak regulatory guidance. Akin Ajani warned against unsafe household practices, such as splitting tablets, which can lead to uneven dosing and potentially harmful outcomes.

Dr. Oladapo Adetunji, also from the University of Ibadan, noted that while extemporaneous compounding is legally embedded in pharmacy practice in Nigeria, the absence of strict national guidelines poses a significant barrier to its wider adoption.

Both experts stressed the importance of strengthening the role of pharmacists in providing safe compounded alternatives, especially for children and elderly patients who have difficulty swallowing conventional medications.