Interview Highlights
Adverse drug reactions are undesired or unexpected effects which occur in patients at therapeutic dosages. These differ from side-effects of medications which are known ahead of time through clinical trials and have been detailed in drug monographs.
Causes of adverse drug reactions
- Use of multiple medications (polypharmacy).
- Many medications are not trialed in the elderly therefore, there is no information about reactions or side-effects that may occur in this population.
- Altered physiology, metabolism and pharmacokinetics in the elderly.
Common Adverse Drug Reactions
- Opioids – escalated effects of constipation, respiratory depression, dizziness.
- NSAIDs – reactions with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, anticoagulants, SSRIs.
- Clindamycin – pseudomembranous colitis is a severe complication.
- Epinephrine and beta-blockers.
Prevention and Management
- Accurate and thorough medical, drug history.
- Assess risks and benefits to prescribing medication.
- Discontinue or modify dosage and/or route of administration of medications (depending on severity) that may be causing an adverse reaction.
- Make detailed notes in the chart about any adverse reaction that occurs, the management and the outcome of the situation.
Watch the video interview