Community pharmacy, also known as retail pharmacy, is a type of pharmacy that is typically located in a retail setting, such as a drugstore or grocery store. Community pharmacists work with patients to provide medication therapy and counseling on the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications. They are accessible healthcare professionals who can provide medication therapy management, disease state management, and preventive care in a convenient and accessible setting.

Community pharmacies offer a unique added value by building direct relationships with their customers. They are able to provide more personalized, dedicated care to local members of their community and even offer enhanced services such as Medication Therapy Management (MTM), Medication Synchronization, and compounding). Community-based pharmacies also include outpatient pharmacies found within health systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers, primary care clinics, compounding pharmacies that prepare medications for patients who require unique dosing or modified formulations, and specialty pharmacies where patients receive outpatient care for complex medication therapies.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation has declared their vision of a community-based pharmacist as an expert in pharmaceutical care, pharmacotherapy, and health promotion, a professional communicator with patients, other healthcare providers, and decision-makers, and someone who delivers high-quality products, services, and communication).

In summary, community pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring that patients appropriately understand their medications and can improve patient outcomes and help to reduce healthcare costs by providing essential services in a convenient and accessible setting.