muistutusannos

Muistutusannos is a term used in Finnish pharmacotherapy to describe an extra dose provided to support adherence to a prescribed medication regimen or to compensate for a missed dose. The aim is to help maintain the intended therapeutic effect by reinforcing the dosing rhythm or preventing gaps in treatment.

The concept is typically applied when a patient risks missing doses or when continuing therapy requires a reminder to take the next dose on schedule. A muistutusannos is not a substitute for following the original dosing plan; it is an additional dose prescribed by a healthcare professional based on the specific medication, patient factors, and the clinical situation. The form of the reminder dose depends on the medication (for example, a tablet, capsule, or liquid) and the timing is individualized.

Usage and administration are determined by a clinician or pharmacist. Not all medicines have a reminder dose, and the appropriateness of issuing one depends on factors such as the drug’s pharmacokinetics, therapeutic index, and the risk of adverse effects or resistance. Patient education is important to ensure the reminder dose is understood correctly and not misused.

Safety considerations include avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate administration of an extra dose, particularly for medications with narrow therapeutic windows or high toxicity risk. The reminder dose should be clearly labeled and integrated into the patient’s overall treatment plan.

See also: drug adherence, missed-dose management, booster dose, pharmacist counseling.