What does a patient’s medication list include?

A patient's medication list encompasses all medications currently being used by the patient, which includes prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, and any supplements or herbal products. This comprehensive list is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment, as it allows them to be aware of potential drug interactions, allergies, and overall patient compliance. Accurate medication reconciliation is essential in providing quality care and preventing adverse drug events. A thorough medication list helps facilitate informed medical decisions and enhances patient safety. It is important for clinicians to have a complete understanding of all substances a patient is taking, rather than limiting the list to just one type of medication or excluding certain categories.