What is the term for using medications for unapproved indications?

The term for using medications for unapproved indications is known as off-label use. This practice refers to the prescription of a pharmaceutical for a purpose other than what it has been approved for by regulatory agencies such as the FDA. Off-label use can occur when the prescribing healthcare provider believes that a medication could be effective for a condition that is not specifically included in the medication's labeling.

This is not uncommon in medical practice, as providers often utilize their clinical judgment based on available research and treatment outcomes. Off-label use may be based on new findings from clinical studies, patient case reports, or expert opinion.

The other choices, such as primary use, experimental use, and alternative use, do not accurately define the concept of using medications outside their approved indications. Primary use typically refers to the main use for which a drug was approved, while experimental use often implies a setting where a drug is being trialed in a clinical research context. Alternative use could suggest a replacement or substitute therapy, which is not synonymous with off-label use.