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A patient who had allergic rhinitis was given a prescription for Seldane (terfenadine), an antihistamine. A community pharmacist filled the prescription.
The patient took several doses but had no relief from his symptoms, so he called his doctor. When the doctor asked him what drug he was taking, the patient told him the name on the label was Feldene. The doctor realized immediately what had happened-the pharmacist had misread the order, giving the patient Feldene (piroxicam), an antiinflammatory drug prescribed for arthritis, instead of Seldane.
This kind of mix -up has happened many times. Because the two drug names sound and look so alike, they are easily confused. You can help prevent such mix-ups by remembering the differences between the two drugs. Seldane is prescribed for allergic rhinitis, comes in a 60-mg tablet, and is usually taken twice a day. Feldene is prescribed for arthritis, comes in a 20-mg capsule, and is taken once a day.
Ideally, a drug order should include its indication, strength, and dosage besides its name. As an extra precaution, verify the drug name by repeating or spelling it when taking or giving a verbal order.