We estimated the cost and cost-effectiveness of a clinical pharmacist intervention known to improve the appropriateness of drug prescribing. Elderly veteran outpatients prescribed at least five drugs were randomized to an intervention (105 patients) or control (103) group and followed for 1 year. The intervention pharmacist provided advice to patients and their physicians during all general med...

BACKGROUND Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a global public health challenge and has been associated with antibiotic resistance. WHO reports show that efforts to promote rational antibiotic use in developing countries are poor. With the growing number of infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria, rational drug use becomes imperative and studies that promote rational drug use are highly n...

Throughout the world, many drugs prescribed for children are used in an off-label or unlicensed manner. The incidence of unlicensed and off-label drug prescriptions appears to be greatest in critically ill neonates and children and lowest in the general population. The risk associated with unlicensed and off-label drug use appears to be greater than for prescribing in accordance with the produc...