clinical pharmacology
Drug Errors
Special subpopulations
Errors in prescribing are common, especially for certain populations. Older people, women of childbearing age, and children are particularly at risk. Drug interactions particularly affect people taking many drugs. To minimize risk, clinicians should know all drugs being taken—including those prescribed by others and over-the-counter drugs—and keep a complete problem list. Patients should be encouraged to write and update a list of their current drugs and dosages and bring the list to every health care appointment or emergency department visit. If there is any doubt as to which drugs are being used, patients should be instructed to bring all their drugs to their health care appointments for review. 