Volume : 13, Issue : 04, April – 2026

Title:

A STUDY ON COMMONLY REPORTED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN TERITIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITALS

Authors :

Tripuramallu RajithaSree*, Deppalatha Ciddhavaduta, Thudi Deekshitha Reddy, Vitrouth Akshitha, Aiyesha Ahsan, Chandrasekhara Rao Baru

Abstract :

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant concern in healthcare, contributing to patient morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased treatment costs. They are particularly prevalent in tertiary care settings due to polypharmacy, complex disease conditions, and the frequent use of high risk medications. Although pharmacovigilance systems are in place, ADRs are still underreported, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and reporting practices.
Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the incidence, pattern, causality, severity and preventability of ADRs in a tertiary care teaching hospital, along with their association with demographic and drug related factors.
Methods: A six-month prospective observational study was carried out in a multispecialty tertiary care hospital. ADR data were collected from both inpatient and outpatient departments using standardized reporting forms. The reported ADRs were assessed for causality using WHO-UMC and Naranjo scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant.
Results: The incidence of ADRs was found to be 15.33%. A higher proportion of ADRs occurs in males (58.69%0 and in patients aged between 31 and 50 years. Most reactions were categorized as probable (98%0 according to both causality assessment scales. The majority of ADRs were mild in nature (93.47%), while a small percentage were moderate (6.52%). Most ADRs were deemed not preventable (98%). The gastrointestinal system was most affected (31.52%), and antibiotics were the leading drug class associated with ADRs. In most instances, discontinuation of the suspected drug resulted in patient improvement.
Conclusion: ADRs are commonly encounters in hospital settings but are generally mild and manageable strengthening pharmacovigilance systems and promoting active involvement of healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, can enhance ADR detection, reporting, and overall patient safety.
Keywords: Adverse drug reactions, pharmacovigilance, drug safety, causality assessment, severity and preventability.

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