Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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In paediatric pharmacotherapy, many drugs are prescribed to be given in ways and for conditions not approved in the marketing authorization (MA). Thus, off-label prescribing of drugs with no MA is widespread in paediatric wards. However, drug MA status and clinical practices differ across countries. In this prospective study, we studied the prescribing of off-label and unlicensed drugs in three paediatric wards in a tertiary hospital in Finland. Furthermore, we reviewed previous published studies to provide an up-to-date international perspective on prescribing of off-label and unlicensed drugs for hospitalized children. ⋯ This study indicates that the use of off-label and unlicensed drugs is widespread in all the different paediatric wards surveyed and was as extensive as those reported for other countries.
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Although skin tests are usually employed to evaluate current penicillin allergy status, a negative result does not exclude hypersensitivity. There is a need for accurate in vitro tests to exclude hypersensitivity. A radioallergosorbent test (RAST) is a potentially good supplementary approach, but there is little information on the suitability of this method to diagnose penicillin hypersensitivity in subjects with a negative skin test to benzylpenicillin. ⋯ Radioallergosorbent test is a good complementary test in persons who are skin-test negative with PG, and the sensitivity of RAST increases with increasing specificity of IgE antibodies to be detected. 6-APA and the groups, making part of the different side-chains on penicillins, all contributed to the cross-reactivity.
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Lack of review of patients' medications in repeat prescribing is common. This and other problems in repeat prescribing need to be addressed. Community pharmacists could be more proactive in the review of chronic medications. ⋯ Community pharmacists are able to improve the quality of physician's repeat prescribing by providing vital information.
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Comment Comparative Study
Aspirin or paracetamol - what's good for you?