South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is the maximum percentage of a compound that can contain a controlled substance?

1. 10%

2. 15%

3. 20%

4. 25%

The correct answer is: 20%

The correct answer is based on specific regulations in pharmacy practice regarding the compounding of medications that contain controlled substances. In South Carolina, and in many other jurisdictions, the law permits a compounded preparation to include a controlled substance as long as the concentration does not exceed 20% of the total compounded preparation. This regulation is designed to ensure patient safety while allowing pharmacists some flexibility in creating compounded medications that may include therapies requiring controlled substances. A maximum of 20% ensures that the compounded products remain within a safe range for patient administration, balancing accessibility with the need for regulatory oversight. In practice, adhering to this guideline means the pharmacist must carefully calculate and verify the total amount of all ingredients in the compound and ensure that controlled substances remain at or below this threshold. If a compounded medication exceeds this percentage, it may be subject to stricter regulatory scrutiny or may not be considered appropriate for compounding under existing pharmacy laws.