Adverse Effects of Common Drugs: Adults

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Patient Safety
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Drug therapy is vital for adult care but carries risks of adverse effects and reactions.
• Hospitalization, intensive care, and high-risk medications amplify the potential for severe drug-related harm.
• Numerous patient and physician factors contribute to the increased risk of drug-related morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and detail patient-specific factors that elevate the risk of adverse drug events in adults.
• To outline physician-related practices that contribute to drug harms, including prescribing and deprescribing issues.
• To emphasize the importance of comprehensive medication management and patient history in mitigating drug-related risks.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines on drug safety in adult populations.
• Analysis of patient demographics and clinical conditions associated with increased drug harm.
• Examination of physician prescribing habits, medication reconciliation processes, and coordination of care.

Main Results:

• Patient factors such as immunosuppression, cognitive impairment, substance abuse, chronic diseases (kidney, liver), and insurance status increase drug harm risk.
• Physician factors include inappropriate prescribing, failure to deprescribe, poor medication reconciliation, lack of care coordination, and overlooking nonprescription/herbal product use.
• High-risk settings like intensive care units and the use of specific drug classes (e.g., anticoagulants, insulin) heighten the danger.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing and addressing patient vulnerabilities is essential for preventing adverse drug reactions.
• Improving physician practices in prescribing, deprescribing, and medication reconciliation is critical for patient safety.
• A holistic approach, incorporating patient history and nonprescription drug use, is necessary to minimize drug-related harm in adult patients.