What is the Origin of Drug Compendia?

The concept of a pharmaceutical compendium dates back centuries, but modern, officially recognized texts, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), originated in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These publications were established to standardize drug quality across different manufacturers and prevent the distribution of substandard or adulterated medicines. The term compendium itself is Latin for a "short summary or abridgment."

What is the Mechanism of Drug Compendia?

Compendial monographs detail the necessary tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria for a specific drug substance or finished product. These specifications cover everything from chemical identification and impurity limits to dissolution rates and uniform dosage unit testing. By mandating adherence to these published standards, regulatory bodies ensure that any drug, regardless of its source, meets a minimum threshold of quality assurance necessary for safe and effective clinical use.

Drug Compendia

Meaning

Drug compendia are official, recognized publications that establish and document standards for the quality, purity, strength, and identity of medicinal substances and their dosage forms. These authoritative texts serve as the legal and scientific benchmarks for pharmaceutical manufacturing, compounding, and regulatory compliance. Pharmacists and clinicians rely on compendia to ensure the consistency and safety of drug products, including bioidentical hormones and peptides.