Underprescription

Underprescription refers to the practice of prescribing a medication at a dose or frequency lower than that which is clinically indicated or recommended for a particular condition. This can occur for various reasons, including physician hesitancy due to concerns about side effects, patient adherence issues, or a misunderstanding of the recommended dosage. It can also happen if a healthcare provider underestimates the severity of a patient's condition or the potency of a medication.

The consequences of underprescription can be significant. Inadequate treatment can lead to a lack of therapeutic benefit, prolonging illness, causing unnecessary suffering, and potentially leading to complications or disease progression. For chronic conditions, underprescription can result in a patient's condition worsening over time, requiring more aggressive or complex interventions later. For acute illnesses, it may mean the infection is not fully cleared or the pain is not adequately managed.

Conversely, overprescription involves prescribing a medication at a dose or frequency higher than is clinically indicated, which carries its own set of risks, including increased side effects and toxicity. Both underprescription and overprescription represent deviations from optimal therapeutic practices. Achieving appropriate prescription involves a careful balance of efficacy, safety, and individual patient needs.