Adverse Drug Reactions and Medication Errors

Chapter 7 Adverse Drug Reactions and Medication Errors

Adverse Drug Reactions • Adverse drug reaction is defined as a noxious, unintended, and undesired effect that occurs at normal drug dosages (World Health Organization)

Adverse Drug Reactions (cont.) • Side effect • Toxicity • Allergic reaction • Idiosyncratic effect • Iatrogenic disease • Physical dependence • Carcinogenic effect • Teratogenic effect

Idiosyncratic Effect • Defined as an uncommon drug response froma genetic predisposition

Iatrogenic Disease • Iatrogenic disease means disease produced by a physician • Derived from the Greek word • “Iatros” for physician • “Genic” to produce

Teratogenic Effect • Drug • Induced birth defect • Teratogens • Chemical capable of causing birth defect

Medication Errors • Types • Causes – Human factors – Communication – Name confusion – Packaging – Labeling • Ways to reduce medication errors • How to report a medication error

Adverse Drug Reactions and Medication Errors