title: Conclusiveness of rechallenge in the interpretation of adverse drug reactions.
abstract: We here consider the extent to which the presumed correlation between an adverse event and the administration of a particular drug can be reinforced by rechallenge. At first question of terminology is: what is a rechallenge? Rechallenge is often accepted too readily as proof of a causal relationship and clinical examples give illustrations of common misinterpretations. Definitions are proposed to characterize: the outcome of rechallenge; the conditions under which rechallenge is performed. In discussing causality, a sharp distinction is drawn between the outcome per se and the establishment of a causal relationship. Finally, the simple concepts proposed here should permit to establish a typology of rechallenge and to assess, by further experimental or retrospective research, the conclusiveness of rechallenge in interpreting adverse drug reactions.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011217:Practolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011217:Practolol