Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Generic instruments for drug discontinuation in primary care: A systematic review
Matthias Michiels-Corsten1, Navina Gerlach1, Tanja Schleef2
1Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Aims:
The aim of this systematic review was to identify generic instruments for drug discontinuation in patients with polypharmacy in the primary care setting.
Methods:
We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE, 8 guideline databases (AWMF, NICE, NGC, SIGN, NHMRC, CPG, KCE), the Cochrane Library and grey literature (Google) in 2016 and 2017. Two independent researchers screened and analysed data. The drug discontinuation instruments of the included publications were described and classified.
Results:
We identified 16 relevant publications. Here we found complex algorithms as well as instruments composed of distinct sequential steps. Two guidelines are constructed as electronic web-applications. Instruments revealed diverging emphases on the stages of deprescribing, i.e. preparation, drug evaluation, decision-making and implementation. Accordingly, 3 types of instruments emerged: general frameworks, detailed drug assessment tools and comprehensive discontinuation guidelines.
Conclusion:
Diverse generic instruments exist for different areas of applications in regard to drug discontinuation. However, there is still a need for practical and user-friendly tools that support physicians in communicational aspects, visualise trade-offs and also enhance patient involvement.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Drug Dependence
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs

