Adverse Drug Reactions
February 15th, 2021
Overview
Ask About
Any reactions to medications.- What specific drug they have had a reaction to
- What happens when they take the drug in question
- How long after exposure to the drug the reaction began
- How severe the reaction was
- Whether the reaction resolved after cessation or dose-reduction of the drug
- When this reaction first / last happened
Significance
- Generally, avoid the drug in question
- Not all adverse drug reactions are absolute contraindications - e.g. many medications cause nausea / vomiting
- Not all adverse drug reactions are true - they may be misinterpretations
Types of Adverse Drug Reaction
- Dose-related - narrow therapeutic index; generally improve with reduction in dose (may be required in renal or hepatic dysfunction)
- Idiosyncratic - genetic susceptibility that is not dose-related
- Allergic - occurs after sensitization
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