Adverse reactions to drugs

During the past two decades an old problem has become so important as to demand the serious consideration of all physicians. At the turn of the century, few potent drugs were in use. Most of them had been in use for long periods of time and it was seldom that more than two or three new agents were introduced in one year. Physicians in practice were thoroughly familiar with the drugs they used and had a considerable experience with their adverse reactions. Because of the limited number of potent drugs, it was comparatively easy for the physician to understand thoroughly the complexities of dosage, pharmacologic effects other than the principal or desired effect, and many other aspects of the drug's activity in the human organism. He was therefore in a position to recognize and take proper measures promptly when an adverse reaction occurred.