What is the meaning of 'active medication list'?

The term 'active medication list' refers to a comprehensive list of medications that a patient is currently taking. This includes prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and any other substances that the patient uses for health management. Having an accurate and up-to-date active medication list is crucial for healthcare providers in order to ensure safe prescribing practices, avoid potential drug interactions, and effectively continue treatment plans.

This list is distinct from a list of all medications ever prescribed, which may contain outdated or irrelevant information. It also differs from lists that detail medications that should be avoided or those that have been discontinued, as those serve different purposes in patient management. Thus, the active medication list provides the most relevant snapshot of a patient's current treatment regimen necessary for making informed clinical decisions.