Which scenario is an example of off-label drug use?

Off-label drug use refers to the practice of prescribing a medication for a purpose other than what it has been officially approved for by regulatory authorities. In this scenario, using a medication to treat a different condition than indicated aligns perfectly with the definition of off-label use.

For example, a medication may be approved for the treatment of high blood pressure but could be prescribed off-label for anxiety if it has shown efficacy in that area, even though it isn't specifically listed on its label as a treatment for anxiety. This can occur when clinicians draw on clinical experience or scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of the medication for the new indication, even if such use hasn’t gone through the formal approval process.

In contrast, the other scenarios pertain to appropriate drug use as per regulatory standards or clinical guidelines. For instance, prescribing a medication only according to its label represents standard practice, as does administering the medication as part of a known standard protocol. Increasing the dosage based on clinical trial results would typically be monitored within approved guidelines but doesn’t qualify as off-label use unless done independently of those protocols.