Evaluation of Adverse Drug Reactions and Their Impact on Patient Safety

Abstract

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unintended, harmful, and undesirable responses to medications administered at normal therapeutic doses and represent a significant challenge to patient safety and healthcare delivery worldwide. ADRs contribute substantially to morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Despite considerable advances in drug development and regulatory oversight, adverse drug reactions remain a major cause of hospital admissions and treatment-related complications across diverse patient populations. The risk of ADRs is particularly high among elderly individuals, pediatric patients, and those with multiple comorbidities requiring complex medication regimens. The occurrence of ADRs is influenced by various factors, including patient characteristics, genetic variations, drug properties, dosage, duration of therapy, and drug-drug interactions. ADRs can range from mild and transient symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical intervention. Classification systems categorize ADRs based on their mechanisms, predictability, severity, and clinical outcomes, facilitating better understanding and management of these reactions.