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Guidelines for Safe
and Effective Drug Use

PREVENTING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

It is always better to prevent a condition or disease than to have to treat it. This is especially true in the case of adverse drug reactions where the cure can become the disease. As our understanding of drug actions and reactions has expanded, we learned that many adverse effects are, to some extent, predictable and preventable. Several contributing factors are now well recognized, and these fall into 11 categories.

Previous Adverse Reaction to a Drug

People who have had an adverse drug reaction in the past are more likely to have adverse reactions to other drugs, even though the drugs are unrelated. This suggests that some people may have a genetic (inborn) predisposition to unusual or abnormal drug responses. Always tell your doctor about any history of prior adverse drug- experiences.

Allergies

Some people are allergic by nature (have hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives) and are more likely to develop allergies to drugs. The allergic patient must be watched very closely when medicines are used. Known drug allergies must be written in the medical record. Patients must tell every health care provider that he or she is allergic by nature and is allergic to specific drugs. Provide this information without waiting to be asked. Your doctor will then be able to avoid prescribing those drugs that could provoke an allergic reaction, as well as related (cross-sensitivity) drugs.

Contraindications

Both patient and physician must strictly observe contraindications to any drug under consideration. Absolute contraindications include those conditions and situations that prohibit the use of the drug for any reason. Relative contraindications are those conditions that, in the judgment of the physician, do not preclude the use of the drug, but make it essential that special care be given to its use. Often, dosing adjustments, additional supportive measures, and close supervision are needed.

Precautions in Use

Patients should know any special precautions needed while taking a drug. This includes advisability of use during pregnancy or while nursing; precautions on sun exposure (or ultraviolet lamps); avoidance of extreme heat or cold, heavy physical exertion (such as with fluoroquinolone antibiotics), etc.