Adverse drug events may be dose-related or idiosyncratic. Dose related events can be avoided by observing dosage precautions such as adjustment for age, organ impairment, or concurrent drug therapy (drug interactions). However, even at a therapeutic dosage, some events may occur which are unpredictable, such as allergic reactions.
In the electronic prescribing era, drug allergy can be the subject of over-alerting, as some records of allergy represent intolerance (such as an upset stomach) as opposed to a true immunologic event. Inaccurate representation of allergy may lead to selection of an alternative (and potentially less efficacious) therapy.
It is important to document the nature of a reaction which has been reported by a patient, and to analyze this information with respect to potential for recurrence and cross-reactivity among agents. Until records are capable of differentiating reactions of concern from those which are less severe the ability to screen for drug allergy will continue to be less than optimal.
In the electronic prescribing era, drug allergy can be the subject of over-alerting, as some records of allergy represent intolerance (such as an upset stomach) as opposed to a true immunologic event. Inaccurate representation of allergy may lead to selection of an alternative (and potentially less efficacious) therapy.
It is important to document the nature of a reaction which has been reported by a patient, and to analyze this information with respect to potential for recurrence and cross-reactivity among agents. Until records are capable of differentiating reactions of concern from those which are less severe the ability to screen for drug allergy will continue to be less than optimal.
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