Defines adverse drug reactions as unwanted effects at normal therapeutic doses, then gives a table of common side effects across drug classes such as analgesics, antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, antidiabetics and statins. A second table lists factors that raise risk, including dose, duration, age, genetics, comorbidities, drug interactions and route of administration. It closes with clinical implications for monitoring and reporting, and recap questions.
Topic 87 of 93 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Pharmacology (Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 5 sections, about 109 words (3 min of reading), with 10 flashcards.
In this note
Side Effects of Drugs
Common Side Effects by Drug Class
Factors Influencing Side Effects
Clinical Implications
Recap Questions
Side Effects of Drugs
Side effects (adverse drug reactions – ADRs) are unwanted or harmful effects that occur at normal therapeutic doses. They may range from mild (e.g., nausea) to severe (e.g., anaphylaxis), and may affect any organ system.
