Introduction
Adverse effects of drugs
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Any undesirable or unintended consequence of drug administration may be trivial, serious or fatal
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All drugs are capable of producing side effects
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Definition: Any noxious change which is suspected to be due to a drug at normal doses, requires treatment or decrease in dose or caution in future use of the drug.
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Not uncommon seen in 10 –25% of the cases. Still drugs are used considering the benefit vs risk
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Predictable ( type I) based on the pharmacological properties of the drug. Side effects, toxic effects and drug withdrawal symptoms
- Unpredictable (type II) based on peculiarities of the patient and not on known drug effect.
Severity
- Minor – no therapy needed
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Moderate – may need change in drug / or its dosage or prolong hospital stay
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Severe – potentially life threatening, causes permanent change or requires intensive medical treatment
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Lethal – contributes to the death
Prevention of adverse effects of drugs
- Following steps to minimize ADE
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 7:18 AM