Journal of Integrative Pharmacy and Medical Sciences

IMPROVING MEDICATION SAFETYIN OLDER ADULTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF POLYPHARMACY

2026-07-19T01:19:51-04:00

Geriatric polypharmacy, commonly defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, has emerged as a major healthcare challenge due to the increasing prevalence of multiple chronic diseases among older adults. The growing complexity of medication regimens places elderly patients at a higher risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug–drug interactions, medication errors, non-adherence, functional decline, falls, and frequent hospitalizations. Age-related physiological changes affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion further increase the likelihood of medication-related complications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, causes, risk factors, and clinical consequences of polypharmacy in the geriatric population. It also discusses the importance of identifying potentially inappropriate medications using validated screening tools such as the Beers Criteria and STOP/START criteria. In addition, the review highlights evidence-based strategies including regular medication review, deprescribing, individualized treatment planning, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize medication therapy. The role of clinical pharmacists in medication reconciliation, identifying drug-related problems, and promoting rational prescribing is also emphasized. Implementing patient-centered medication management strategies can significantly improve medication safety, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall quality of life of older adults.

MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: CURRENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND EMERGING THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

2026-07-19T06:02:48-04:00

Multi drug -resistant (MDR) bacterial infections are a growing global health challenge that limit the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and increase patient morbidity and mortality. Effective management involves optimized antimicrobial therapy, combination treatment, rapid diagnostics, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. Emerging approaches such as bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, antivirulence agents, immunotherapy, nanotechnology, plant-derived compounds, and novel antibiotics offer promising alternatives for treating resistant pathogens. Although many of these strategies are still under development, integrating conventional and innovative therapies with rational antibiotic use is essential to improve clinical outcomes and combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.

RECENT ADVANCES IN HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT

2026-07-19T07:53:20-04:00

Hypertension is a leading global health problem and a major cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and premature death. Although many anti hypertensive drugs are available, a significant proportion of patients have uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. Recent advances focus on improving blood pressure measurement, optimizing drug therapy, integrating digital health technologies, and developing novel device based treatments. These innovations aim to improve blood pressure control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and provide personalized care for different patient populations. This review aims to systematically examine and critically analyze recent advances in hypertension management reported between 2022 and 2026. It evaluates the effectiveness of novel antihypertensive medications, emerging therapeutic approaches, and technological innovations in improving blood pressure control, reducing cardiovascular complications, and enhancing patient outcomes.

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND ENDOVASCULAR APPROCHES, SECONDARY PREVENTION, AND THE ROLE OF CLINICAL PHARMACISTS IN STROKE MANAGEMENT

2026-07-19T08:53:14-04:00

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with a significant impact on individuals and healthcare systems. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of stroke. This review summarizes recent advances in stroke management published between 2016 and 2026, with a focus on thrombolytic therapy, mechanical thrombectomy, advanced neuroimaging, artificial intelligence, telestroke services, neuroprotective strategies, and secondary stroke prevention. The review also highlights the expanding role of clinical pharmacists in optimizing pharmacotherapy, improving medication safety, promoting patient adherence, and supporting multidisciplinary stroke care. Emerging technologies and personalized treatment approaches have enhanced patient selection, reduced treatment delays, and improved functional outcomes. Despite these advances, challenges such as delayed hospital presentation, limited access to specialized stroke centers, and disparities in healthcare remain. Continued research, technological innovation, and implementation of evidence-based guidelines are essential to further improve stroke care and reduce the global burden of stroke. The objective of this review is to summarize the recent advances in stroke management, with a particular focus on pharmacological therapies, endovascular interventions, secondary prevention strategies, and the expanding role of clinical pharmacists in optimizing patient care and improving clinical outcomes.

EMERGING TRENDS IN MICROBIOME BASED THERAPEUTICS

2026-07-19T09:31:28-04:00

The Human Microbiome has emerged as a critical determinant of health and disease, driving the development of microbiome-based therapeutics as a novel approach to precision medicine.. Emerging microbiome-based interventions include next-generation probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, live bio therapeutic products (LBPs), engineered microbial therapeutics, bacteriophage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).These approaches have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders, and cancer. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly being integrated into microbiome research to identify microbial biomarkers, predict treatment responses, and support personalized therapeutic intervention.