What does "therapeutic interchange" mean?

Therapeutic interchange refers to the practice of substituting one medication for another that is therapeutically similar, based on established guidelines or protocols set by a pharmacy and therapeutics committee. This process typically involves the replacement of a prescribed drug with a different drug from the same pharmacological class that has equivalent therapeutic effects. It aims to optimize drug therapy, improve patient outcomes, and sometimes to reduce costs, while ensuring that the substitute medication is clinically appropriate.

In this context, using specific guidelines ensures that the interchange is safe and beneficial for the patient, emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment and evidence-based practice in medication management.