Compounded medications play an important role in equine practice, particularly when no FDA-approved product exists for a given condition, species, or route of administration.
Responsible use of compounded medications requires understanding the legal and regulatory framework that governs their use, the standard of care veterinarians must meet, and the ethical obligations veterinarians bear when prescribing or dispensing these products.
Guidelines & Owner Resources
Drug Compounding Guidelines (2024)
AAEP guidelines on the appropriate use of compounded drugs in equine practice, including definitions, a primer on FDA’s rules, and when compounding is appropriate.
Horse Owner's Guide to Compounding (2009/2025)
A plain-language explainer for horse owners on what compounded medications are, why a veterinarian might prescribe one, and what questions to ask before administering one.
Education
Resources to help veterinarians stay current on compounding rules and compliance.
Virtual Wednesday Round Table: Approved or Not? Navigating Devices, Compounding & Compliance (2026)
A member roundtable offering practical guidance on how to identify approved animal drugs, distinguish compounded preparations from FDA-approved products, and determine if something is a medical device. Obtain 2 credit hours of RACE-accredited CE.
Compounding at a Glance: Infographic Fact Sheet (2026)
A one-page visual summary of the compounding guidelines built for quick reference.
Ethics Opinions
Guidance from AAEP’s Professional Conduct & Ethics Committee on the professional obligations that come with using and prescribing compounded products.
Ethics: Using Compounded Products Within the Standard of Care (2024)
Examines how compounded products can be used while still meeting the profession's standard of care.
Ethics: The Conundrum of Compounded Drugs (2020)
Considers the tension between clinical need and regulatory uncertainty surrounding compounded drugs.
