An Integrated Approach to the Rational Use of Medicines: Understanding Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug–drug, and Drug–food Interactions in Clinical Practice
Keywords:
Adverse drug reactions, clinical pharmacy, drug–drug interactions, drug–food interactions, patient safety, pharmacovigilance, rational use of medicinesAbstract
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Rational pharmacotherapy remains a central pillar of patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Yet irrational medicine use and preventable adverse events continue to threaten therapeutic outcomes worldwide. This comprehensive review integrates the concepts of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug–drug interactions (DDIs), and drug–food interactions (DFIs) within the broader framework of the rational use of medicines. Drawing on global evidence and regulatory guidance from 2000 to 2025, it analyses the mechanisms, classification, and public-health impact of ADRs; outlines pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles underlying DDIs and DFIs; and highlights pharmacist-led interventions that promote rational prescribing and pharmacovigilance. The review emphasizes that minimizing ADRs and interactions are inseparable from rational use strategies – encompassing evidence-based prescribing, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration. By synthesizing pharmacological science with clinical practice, this paper proposes an integrated model for safer, more rational pharmacotherapy across care settings.
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