Table 3 The ten most frequently prescribed off-label or unlicensed drugs
From: Pattern and extent of off-label and unlicensed drug use in neonatal intensive care units in Iran
Drug | Number (%) of total prescriptions | Reason(s) for off-label/unlicensed status |
|---|---|---|
Ampicillin | 174 (16.6) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval |
Gentamicin | 102 (9.7) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval |
Caffeine | 82 (7.8) | Off-label: Age Group |
Albuterol | 73 (7) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval/Indication |
Cefotaxime | 71 (6.8) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval/Indication |
Vancomycin | 48 (4.6) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval |
Furosemide | 43 (4.1) | Off-label: Dose/Indication Unlicensed: Modified Formulation |
Phenobarbital | 39 (3.7) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval/Indication Unlicensed: Modified Formulation |
Ranitidine | 25 (2.4) | Off-label: Dose/Indication |
Amikacin | 19 (1.8) | Off-label: Dose/Dosing Interval/Indication |