Drug Reactions and Interactions in Pediatric Practice
N. J. Braden MD1
Philip D. Walson MD2
1 Fellow, Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University
2 Professor and Chief, Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
An adverse drug reaction can be a life-threatening, irreversible event that could have been prevented. The physician is responsible for protecting the patient and the public by avoiding adverse drug reactions whenever possible, and by suspecting, diagnosing, and treating them promptly. Documentation of adverse drug reactions protects the individual from future exposure, and reported experience may protect others. Reactions to recently introduced products are especially important. Rational therapeutic practices depend on knowledge (including continual education about drug effects), logic, clinical acumen, and vigilance. Any therapeutic maneuver, no matter how apparently benign, requires a careful risk-benefit assessment because of potentially devastating consequences.
