1. Never use any drug without a clear indication
2. Only use drugs in pregnancy if absolutely essential
3. Check if the patient has had any previous reactions to the drug or to similar drugs
4. Reduce doses when necessary, eg. in the young, the elderly, and if liver or renal disease is present
5. Always prescribe the minimum necessary drugs
6. Carefully explain dose regimes to patients, especially those on multiple drugs, the elderly and anyone
likely to misunderstand
7. If possible, always use drugs with which you are familiar
8. Look out for ADRs when using new or unfamiliar drugs
9. Warn patients about likely adverse effects and advise them on what to do if they occur
10. Give patients on certain prolonged treatments, eg. anticoagulants, corticosteroids, insulin, etc. a
small card which they can carry with them giving information about the treatment
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