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. 2010 Jul-Aug;17(4):472–476. doi: 10.1136/jamia.2010.003335

Table 2.

Distribution by potential for an ADE and sample prescriptions

PADE severity Examples Possible adverse event Occurrence, N (%)
No PADE

  • PERCOCET 5 MG/325 MG (OXYCODONE 5 MG/ACETAMINOPHEN 325 MG) 5MG-325MG TABLET PO

  • Sig: 1–2 TAB Q4H

  • Special Instructions: Take every 4–6 h for pain

 NA 76 (16.17)

  • LUNESTA (ESZOPICLONE) 2MG TABLET PO Sig: 2 MG take 1 TABLET QHS PRN

  • Special Instructions: Take 1 QHS PRN insomnia, may take 2 if needed

 NA

  • WELLBUTRIN SR 150MG TABLET CR PO

  • Sig: 1 Tablet(s) BID

  • Special Instructions: start use 1 week prior to tobacco quit attempt. start at 1 tab po qd×3d, then bid

 NA
Mild or moderate PADE

  • Metrogel PO

  • Sig: .75% AD

  • Dispense: 45 Gram(s)

  • Special Instructions: apply to face BID

 Mild propylene glycol (component of Metrogel) poisoning; lack of efficacy for treated condition 315 (67.02)

  • PREDNISONE 1MG TABLET PO

  • Sig: QAM

  • Special Instructions: 4 tablets PO qAM then taper as directed

 Lack of efficacy for treated condition

  • HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 25MG TABLET PO

  • Sig: 25 MG take 1 TABLET QD

  • Special Instructions: take 1/2 tab q day

 Elevated blood pressure

  • AMOXICILLIN 875MG TABLET PO

  • Sig: 875 MG take 1 TABLET BID

  • Special Instructions: 2 tabs bid×10 days

 Lack of efficacy for treated condition
Severe PADE

  • PREMARIN (CONJUGATED ESTROGENS) 25MG VIAL IV

  • Sig: 25MG take 1 VIAL QD

  • Dispense: 1 tube(s)

  • Special Instructions: apply qhs for 2 weeks, then 2 times a week

 Estrogen overdose (breast tenderness, drowsiness, fluid retention, changes in mental status) 79 (16.81)

  • FLOVENT HFA 110 MCG INH

  • Sig: 110 PUFF BID

  • Dispense: 1 Inhaler(s)

  • Special Instructions: Inhaler(s) 2 puffs bid

 Steroid overdose (immunosuppression, hypertension, osteoporosis)

  • DermaSmoothe FS PO

  • Sig: 1 QD

  • Special Instructions: Use PRN scalp psoriasis

 Steroid overdose (immunosuppression, hypertension, osteoporosis)

  • DEXAMETHASONE 4MG TABLET PO

  • Sig: 40MG QAM

  • Please take 40 mgs QAM once a week

 Steroid overdose (immunosuppression, hypertension, osteoporosis)

Percentages represent a fraction of prescriptions with internal discrepancies (n=470).

ADE, adverse drug event; PADE, potential adverse drug event.