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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Clinically tested Prescribing a currently available drug in a dose or dosage form that differs from that for which it was clinically tested. When a drug is prescribed off label, it is usually because: 1) it has been proven effective for an off-label condition of similar etiology, but the FDA doesn’t have the research/resources from the pharmaceutical industry to relabel it with the new indication; 2) limited options exist for on-label drugs for certain populations (i.e., children, older adults, pregnant women); or 3) prescribing the same drug, with a dosage approved for a different indication, will save the patient money.Some of the medications commonly prescribed off label are:Spironolactone (Aldactone) for acne and hirsutism in womenTrazodone for insomniaErythromycin for gastroparesisGabapentin (Neurontin) for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, headache, etc.Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for Covid-19SSRIs for migraine prophylaxis and fibromyalgiaNaltrexone for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseaseColchicine for actinic keratosis and psoriasisSildenafil (Viagra) for sexual dysfunction in womenPrazosin (Minipress) for BPHRemember These Do’s and Don’tsFor nurse practitioners and other prescribers, medication selection should always be made carefully and based on evidence. Consider the following “do’s and don’ts,” whether prescribing on label or off label:Do’s: Do make sure that you have performed and documented a complete assessment and arrived at an accurate diagnosis for the patient’s symptoms.Do review the patient’s complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and homeopathic remedies. Do ask the patient about all allergies, and document this discussion.Do consider the evidence for your medication choice, whether the use is on label
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