Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part F (2016)

Aim: The present study was aimed to analyze the pattern, causality and severity of the adverse drug effects complained by the patients at internal medicine outpatient department.

Materials and Method: It was a cross-sectional study done at outpatient department for a period of four months. Patients presenting with sign symptoms of adverse drug effects were included for this study. Each patient underwent a detailed evaluation by a consultant once they were medically stable.

Results: A total of 86 adverse drug effect cases were reported. Most of them are females (65.1%). Older age group (>60 years) were more prone to the side effects (37.2%). NSAIDs (31.4%) and the Antipsychotics (16.3%) were the commonest drugs. Drugs administered orally (62.8%) and taken by self without proper consultation (41.9%) caused most of the side effect. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the commonest complaints (47.7%). More than half of the complaints were reported within weeks (64%). Most of the cases (87.2%) were managed in outpatient settings without fatal complications. Conclusion: Detecting the adverse drug effects among patients at early stage will improve continuation and adherence to treatment.