adverse drug reactions Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)?
An unwanted or harmful reaction experienced after the administration of a drug, suspected to be related to that drug.
What characterizes a Type A ADR?
Type A (Augmented) ADRs are dose-dependent, predictable, and related to the drug’s pharmacology.
Example: hypoglycaemia with insulin.
What characterizes a Type B ADR?
Type B (Bizarre) ADRs are not dose-dependent, are unpredictable, and often involve hypersensitivity reactions.
Example: anaphylaxis.
Who is at increased risk of ADRs?
Patients at extremes of age, females, those with polypharmacy, concurrent diseases, or a history of hypersensitivity.
What is the pharmacist’s role in managing ADRs?
Identifying at-risk patients, monitoring drug use, avoiding unnecessary medicines, counselling patients, and reporting ADRs.
What are common drugs associated with hospital admissions due to ADRs?
NSAIDs, diuretics, warfarin, ACE inhibitors, antidepressants, beta-blockers, opioids, digoxin, prednisolone, clopidogrel.
What should you look for to identify a possible ADR?
Symptoms appearing after starting or increasing a dose, disappearing when stopped, and reappearing on restarting the drug.
What is the Yellow Card Scheme?
A UK system for reporting suspected ADRs to improve patient safety and monitor drug safety post-marketing.
Who can submit a Yellow Card report?
Health professionals (e.g., pharmacists, nurses, doctors) and members of the public.
What kind of ADRs must always be reported?
Serious ADRs and all suspected ADRs involving Black Triangle drugs.
What are Black Triangle drugs?
New medicines or vaccines under intensive monitoring, including new drugs, formulations, or routes of administration.
