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Vertigo/dizziness as a Drugs' adverse reaction
Serafina Chimirri1, Rossana Aiello1, Carmela Mazzitello1
1Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy and Pharmacovigilance's Center Calabria Region, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy.
Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics
|December 19, 2013
Summary
Vertigo and dizziness are common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) across various drug classes. Careful patient monitoring is crucial, as these symptoms can lead to secondary injuries like falls.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Vertigo and dizziness are complex balance-related symptoms with diverse etiologies.
- The vestibular system plays a critical role in maintaining balance, and its dysfunction can lead to vertigo.
- Accurate symptom description by patients is challenging, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- This study analyzed adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports from a regional pharmacovigilance center in 2012.
- Data focused on the occurrence of vertigo and dizziness associated with specific drug classes.
- Vertigo and dizziness were identified as side effects for anti-convulsants, anti-hypertensives, antibiotics, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-inflammatories.
Findings:
- Vertigo and dizziness were reported as side effects for multiple drug classes.
- These ADRs constituted 5% of all reports received by the center in 2012.
- Under-reporting of vertigo and dizziness as ADRs is suspected due to their high incidence.
Implications:
- Vertigo and dizziness, while not directly life-threatening, can cause significant secondary harm, including falls and fractures.
- Close monitoring of balance is recommended during drug therapy, especially for vulnerable patients.
- Increased awareness and reporting of these ADRs are necessary for patient safety.
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