Under what conditions can a pharmacist change the dosage form of a prescribed controlled substance?

A pharmacist can change the dosage form of a prescribed controlled substance only upon receiving a new prescription or authorization from the prescriber. This requirement ensures that any modifications made to the original prescription are in line with the prescriber's intent and the specific needs of the patient, maintaining the integrity of the physician's therapeutic plan.

Modifications to a controlled substance prescription, such as changing the dosage form, can significantly impact the patient's treatment, including factors like bioavailability and the rate of absorption. Therefore, it is crucial that such changes are authorized by the prescriber to avoid potential safety issues, efficacy problems, or noncompliance with legal regulations governing the dispensing of controlled substances.

In scenarios where a pharmacist decides to change a dosage form for patient safety, improve efficacy, or adjust to available stock, these actions would not be compliant with federal pharmacy laws unless they involve prior authorization from the prescriber. This reinforces the role of the prescriber in the clinical decision-making process regarding patient care.