Final answer:
High Alert Medications are drugs with significant potential for harm when used incorrectly, including prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs. They can lead to overdoses if not carefully monitored, as emphasized by healthcare guidelines like the EMA's.
Step-by-step explanation:
High Alert Medications are defined as drugs that have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Although they may be either prescription or over-the-counter medicines, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosages to avoid complications. Errors include issues like taking doses that are too high, which could lead to overdoses. This category may also encompass illegal drugs that are consumed in hazardous amounts. The concept of High Alert Medications is highlighted in professional healthcare guidelines such as the EMA (2012) Guideline on Investigation of Drug Interactions issued by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medical Products. This guideline suggests the importance of monitoring drug interactions and the risks associated with high alert medications.