Zeid, W. (2023). Drug Repurposing in Primary Healthcare: A review. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26(3), 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.304958
Wael Zeid. "Drug Repurposing in Primary Healthcare: A review". Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26, 3, 2023, 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.304958
Zeid, W. (2023). 'Drug Repurposing in Primary Healthcare: A review', Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26(3), pp. 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.304958
Zeid, W. Drug Repurposing in Primary Healthcare: A review. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 2023; 26(3): 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.304958
Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Abstract
The process of finding new medical indications for old drugs is known as drug repurposing or repositioning. As opposed to de novo drug discovery, drug repurposing strategies may be less costly, less time-consuming, and relatively safer. This process may be explained by common molecular pathways that contribute to many different diseases. Additionally, adverse effects of certain drugs may provide desirable effects in other disease states. The drug approval process may differ from one indication to another and between countries. Based on clinical trials and physicians' experiences, the use of off-label prescriptions is a common practice in medicine. Primary healthcare providers are gatekeepers for an efficient healthcare system as they face many challenges in managing patients with multiple comorbidity and polypharmacy. Repurposing certain drugs may be helpful to tackle these challenges. This review outlines the current most promising medications with potential multiple indications and their supporting evidence in primary healthcare.