Compounded preparations are an additional therapeutic option besides registered medicines. Because of their <<tailor made therapy>> they have a great value and thus an undeniable place in the therapeutic arsenal available to the physician. To maintain this position, however, they must be of unquestionable quality. Structuring and documenting the compounding operations, incorporating the necessary controls and respect for evident basic rules and precautions can reduce potential errors to a minimum. Pharmacists can rely for this on existing recommendations listed in the different reference books such as the Therapeutic Magistral Form and the Guidelines for Good Officinal Practices, but which aren't always commonly used by pharmacists.