What does the term "titration" refer to in medication management?

Titration in medication management refers to the gradual adjustment of medication dosage to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. This process is essential for finding the optimal dose that provides the intended benefits while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. In clinical practice, healthcare providers may start a patient on a low dose of a medication and then gradually increase or decrease the dosage based on the patient's response and tolerance.

This approach is particularly important for medications with a narrow therapeutic window, where small changes in dosage can significantly impact efficacy and safety. By carefully titrating dosages, healthcare providers can personalize treatment to suit individual patient needs, ensuring that they receive the maximum benefit from the medication while maintaining safety.

Other terms related to medication management, such as administering a high dose immediately or abruptly stopping medication, do not capture the essence of titration. Additionally, mixing medications is a distinct practice that doesn't pertain to the titration process itself.