Diagnosis and Treatment of Unwanted Reactions to Drugs

Abstract

Untoward reactions to drugs are not entirely beyond our control. The prescription of drugs should be based on specific indications. Drugs should be given orally when possible rather than by injection. Patients should be questioned carefully about previous adverse reactions. Topical application should be avoided when a drug can be given safely and effectively by the oral or parenteral route. Patients who already may be allergic to a given drug should receive a short-acting rather than a long-acting agent.