Farmacoterapija

Farmacoterapija, also known as pharmacotherapy, is a medical practice focused on the use of medicines to prevent, treat, or palliate disease. It includes the selection of appropriate drugs, dosing regimens, routes of administration, and the duration of therapy, as well as the systematic monitoring of therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects. The overarching goal is to maximize clinical benefit while minimizing harm, drug interactions, and treatment burden.

Clinical decision-making in farmacoterapija is guided by evidence from clinical trials and medical guidelines, and is tailored to the individual patient. Factors such as age, weight, organ function, comorbidities, concomitant medications, and genetic makeup may influence drug choice and dosing. Pharmacogenomics is increasingly used to optimize responses and reduce adverse reactions.

Key components include initial drug selection, dose titration, adherence support, monitoring for efficacy and safety (including laboratory tests when needed), and assessment of contraindications and drug interactions. Deprescribing and simplification of regimens are also important, especially in older adults or when polypharmacy poses risks.

Pharmacotherapy operates within broader pharmacology and therapeutics, collaborating with physicians, pharmacists, and nurses. It covers acute and chronic conditions, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, mental health, and supportive or palliative care. Safety relies on pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse drug events.