Conclusion
Adverse drug reactions are a common yet often overlooked reason for illness and hospital admission. Taking a careful history (including all medications -- prescribed, over-the-counter, and alternative) and having a high index of suspicion for ADRs can be helpful in identifying an occurrence of one. Particular care should be taken regarding medication review with elderly patients. If an ADR does occur and it is a serious or unexpected event, it should be reported. Judicious use of medications and becoming familiar with side effects and interactions can also be helpful in preventing ADRs.
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South Med J. 2001;94(4) © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Cite this: Recognizing, Reporting, and Reducing Adverse Drug Reactions - Medscape - Apr 01, 2001.
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