OBJECTIVE： To provide reference for rational use of Chinese patent medicine. METHODS： The influencing factors of rational use of Chinese patent medicine was investigated in respects of the selection of Chinese patent medicine， drug combination， usage and dosage， clinical evaluation， pharmacoeconomic evaluation. RESULTS&CONCLUSIONS： Chinese patent medicine is a characteristic product of traditional Chinese medicine. It is a complex and important issue to use Chinese patent medicine rationally. It should be considered in many ways， not only pay attention to the principle of clinical use of Chinese patent medicine， but also need to carry out clinical evaluation of Chinese patent medicine； at the same time， the economics of Chinese patent medicine should be focused on.