A RANDOM STUDY OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

Objective: To study the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in a randomized sample of patients and evaluate the drugs commonly causing ADRs, the age group and sex generally affected and the outcome of the treatment given to the patients for the ADRs. Methods: It was a cross sectional study done in a few selected hospitals in Hyderabad, for a period of 8 months (February-October 2010). Patients developing or getting admitted for ADRs in these hospitals were recorded. Results: Thirty cases of ADRs were recorded in this study. Chemotherapeutic agents were found to produce ADRs in 63% of patients, NSAIDs in 23% and some miscellaneous drugs in 14% of patients. All age groups were equally affected with a slightly higher incidence in the elderly. Women (56%) had a slightly higher incidence of ADRs than men (44%). Conclusion: Adverse drug reactions may vary in severity from mild rashes to severe toxic epidermal necrosis. The doctors should prescribe the safest and minimum number of drugs. Multiple drugs and frequent dosing, incorrect prescriptions, non-therapeutic and irrational use should be avoided. Caution should be taken in the elderly considering their age related kinetics. It is very important that self medication without consulting the doctor be strongly discouraged.