Problems With Use of Medicines

Abstract

There is ample evidence to support the observation that medicines are generally not used rationally or appropriately. The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that “Rational use of medicines requires that "patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community" The problem of inappropriate or irrational use of medicines occurs in all countries; and in various dimensions. Examples of irrational use of medicines include: poly-pharmacy (use of too many medicines per patient), inappropriate use of antimicrobials, inappropriate use of injections; failure to prescribe according to clinical guidelines and inappropriate self-medication