- When choosing a pharmacological treatment for a patient, the most critical factor to consider is the evidence of efficacy, safety, and appropriateness for the patient.
- This means the medication should be proven to effectively treat the condition, have an acceptable safety profile, and be suitable based on the patient's individual characteristics such as age, comorbidities, and potential drug interactions.

- While other factors like availability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of administration are important considerations in clinical practice, they should not override the fundamental need to ensure that the chosen drug therapy is supported by robust clinical evidence and is appropriate for the patient’s specific situation.

- Prioritizing evidence-based efficacy and safety helps to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing harm, which is the cornerstone of effective pharmacotherapy.

Reference: Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, Chapter 2: Principles of Drug Therapy