3. Adverse drug reactions Flashcards
What is an adverse drug reaction?
-a response to a medicinal product which is unintended, where a relationship between the drug product and the adverse event is known/ strongly suspected
What is a type A adverse drug reaction? Give an example
-augmented
-a reaction that is dose related
-most common ADRs
-related to pharmacology of the drug
-usually known before marketing
-dose related and predictable
e.g salbutamol
What is a type B adverse drug reaction? Give an example
-bizzare
-non-dose related
-unpredictable
-rare but more serious reactions
-immunologically mediated
-usually unknown before marketing
-e.g penicillin allergic response
What is a type C, D, E and F adverse reaction?
C= dose related and time related
D= time related
E= withdrawal
F= unexpected failure of therapy
What effect can ADRs have?
-make people ill
-mimic disease
-affect quality of life
-result in loss of confidence in healthcare professional
-increase cost of patient care
-worry patients
-be fatal
Why is the older person more susceptible to ADRs?
-physiological changes
-polypharmacy
-cognitive/ physical impairment
-use of herbals
Why are people taking medicine for their mental health more susceptible to ADRs?
-polypharmacy
-under the care of multiple professionals
-long term treatments
-use of herbals
What are common ADRs?
-confusion
-constipation
-impaired cognition
-GI bleed
-dizziness
-falls
-postural hypotension
What are some common ADR culprits?
-diuretics
-non steroidal analgesics
-hypotensives
What approach is taken to detecting ADRs?
-when a symptom is identified, a medication is prescribed
-if an adverse drug reaction occurs, if correctly identified the medication is stopped, however it may be misinterpreted as a new symptom, therefore a new medication is prescribed
-this can create a cycle of ADRs as they occur mainly due to drug interactions
