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What are adverse drug reactions?

2026-07-09 20:28:23

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)It refers to harmful reactions that occur when normal doses of drugs are used to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and have nothing to do with the purpose of medication. It is mainly divided intoPredictable response(e.g. side effects, toxic reactions) andunpredictability reaction(such as allergic reactions, idiosyncratic reactions). The content will focus on definition, classification, common manifestations, prevention and treatment, and emphasize the importance of rational drug use.

adverse drug reactionsCore categoriesIncluding side effects, toxic reactions, allergic reactions, etc. Side effects are non-target effects caused by pharmacological effects of drugs at therapeutic doses, such as drowsiness caused by anti-allergic drugs; toxic reactions are mostly caused by overdose or long-term medication, such as liver and kidney damage caused by antibiotics. Anaphylaxis is related to the individual's immune system and has nothing to do with dose. It can range from rash to shock. In addition,idiosyncratic reactionDue to genetic differences, for example, some people develop hemolysis after taking sulfa drugs.

adverse drug reactionsCommon triggersIncluding drug factors (such as ingredient interactions), patient factors (age, liver and kidney function) and medication methods (dose, course of treatment). For example, the elderly and children have weaker metabolic abilities and are more susceptible to ADR; combined use of drugs may increase the risk. For example, the use of aspirin and anticoagulants together can cause bleeding. Need to pass clinicallyMedication history monitoringandlaboratory tests(e.g. liver function tests) to identify risks in advance.

What are adverse drug reactions?

To reduce adverse drug reactions, followPrinciples of rational drug use: Strictly follow the doctor's instructions, avoid increasing or decreasing the dosage on your own, and pay attention to the warning information in the drug instructions. Medical institutions can passAdverse reaction reporting system(such as China’s National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center) collects data and provides timely warnings. If ADR occurs, the drug should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be given. If an allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine should be used to rescue the patient. Toxic reactions require symptomatic and supportive treatment.

In summary, adverse drug reactions are a problem that cannot be ignored in medical practice and require coordinated prevention and control through scientific medication use, patient education, and systematic monitoring. The public should increase their awareness of ADRs, and medical staff should strengthen medication evaluation to ensure that treatment is safe and effective.

Examples of common adverse drug reactionsRelated drugsManufacturer (example)
Gastrointestinal discomfortIbuprofenPfizer (Advil), Johnson & Johnson (Motrin)
liver damageAcetaminophenBayer (Tylenol), GSK
allergic reactionpenicillinNorth China Pharmaceutical, United Laboratories

Quote sources:
1. World Health Organization (WHO) "Guidelines for Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions"
2. "Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting and Monitoring Management Measures" of the State Food and Drug Administration of China
3. Clinical PharmacologistJohn UrquhartResearch on drug safety
4. Manufacturer information can be obtained fromPfizer, Johnson & JohnsonWaiting for company public information

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