Journal of Clinical Trials
Open Access

An Overview on Adverse Drug Reactions and its Side Affects

Virginie Tissot^{* *}Correspondence: Virginie Tissot, Department of Pharmacy, University Hospital of Besancon, Besancon, France, Email:

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Description

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unintended and unwanted effects of medications that may occur at therapeutic or nontherapeutic doses. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including individual patient characteristics, drug interactions, and medication errors. ADRs can range from mild to lifethreatening, and can result in prolonged hospitalization, disability, or even death.

The incidence of ADRs is difficult to determine, as many cases go unreported or are attributed to other causes. However, it is estimated that up to 10% of hospital admissions are due to ADRs, and that ADRs are responsible for 5% to 10% of hospital deaths. In addition, ADRs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients, who are often taking multiple medications for chronic conditions.

There are several types of ADRs, including allergic reactions, idiosyncratic reactions, dose-related reactions, and drug-drug interactions. Allergic reactions are immune-mediated responses to a medication, and can range from mild skin rash to anaphylaxis. Idiosyncratic reactions are unpredictable and occur in a small number of patients, and can include liver toxicity, blood dyscrasias, and drug-induced lupus. Dose-related reactions occur when the medication dose is too high, and can include dizziness, sedation, and respiratory depression. Drug-drug interactions occur when two or more medications interact with each other and cause an unexpected response, and can result in ADRs such as hypotension, bleeding, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Preventing ADRs is an important aspect of patient care. Healthcare professionals can take several steps to minimize the risk of ADRs, including taking a thorough medication history, monitoring patients for potential ADRs, and providing education to patients and caregivers about medication use and potential side effects. In addition, healthcare professionals can use electronic health records and clinical decision support systems to identify potential drug interactions and monitor patients for ADRs.

When an ADR does occur, prompt recognition and management are essential. Treatment may involve discontinuing the medication, reducing the dose, or switching to an alternative medication. In severe cases, supportive care such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Patients with severe ADRs may require hospitalization, and in some cases, long-term medical management.

ADRs can result in increased healthcare utilization, including hospitalization, emergency department visits, and outpatient visits. In addition, ADRs can result in lost productivity and increased disability. The total cost of ADRs is difficu- -ult to estimate, but is likely to be substantial.

There are several strategies that can be used to minimize the risk of ADRs. One strategy is to use medications judiciously and only when necessary. This involves considering alternative therapies, such as lifestyle modifications or non-pharmacological interventions, when appropriate. In addition, healthcare professionals can use pharmacogenomics testing to identify patients who may be at increased risk for ADRs, and tailor medication therapy accordingly. Finally, healthcare professionals can use medication reconciliation processes to ensure that patients are taking the correct medications and dosages, and to identify potential drug interactions.