Drug manufacturing is the mass production of drug products that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The products are sold to pharmacies and other healthcare practitioners for resale that are authorized under state and federal law.
Pharmaceutical compounding is the creation of a pharmaceutical (drug) by a licensed pharmacist to meet the individual needs of a patient when a manufactured drug cannot. A patient may not be able to tolerate the strength of a drug or the drug may be on back order, this is where compounding can benefit the patient. Compounding makes sure the patient receives the drug with minimal side effects, at the correct dose with the best route of absorption.