Signs & Symptoms of Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse drug reactions can be experienced by children and adults when prescribed medications for a variety of illnesses and disease processes. While most people who are prescribed medications handle them sufficiently, some develop adverse reactions or complications that are not expected or usual. Learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an adverse drug reaction may prompt individuals to seek immediate treatment and avoid serious or long-term complications that range from sleepiness to organ damage and failure.

Definition

An adverse drug reaction is defined as an unwanted or unexpected reaction to a drug treatment. Adverse drug reactions can be as mild as drowsiness to severe liver or kidney failure and shutdown and sometimes even death.

Mild Adverse Drug Reactions

Several examples of mild adverse drug reactions include but are not limited to drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, skin rashes to constipation or diarrhea. In many cases, individuals starting treatment with new or unfamiliar drugs may experience a loss of appetite and weight.

Serious Adverse Drug Reactions

Serious adverse drug reactions may involve anything from bleeding ulcers to liver or kidney damage. Symptoms of more serious reactions or hypersensitivity to drugs or medications may include but are not limited to difficulty breathing or wheezing, fever and joint pain. Swelling or bloating is also a sign that may or may not be accompanied by abdominal or stomach pain and should be assessed by a physician. A serious drug reaction might produce anaphylaxis.

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock, or anaphylaxis, is an allergic reaction to a substance that severely affects body functions. Some of the most common symptoms of anaphylactic shock include swelling of the eyes and lips and difficulty breathing, confusion and even fainting. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction; emergency care is imperative.

Statistics

According to the Merck Medical Library, nearly all adverse drug reactions come with mild symptoms that disappear on their own, while some (roughly 3 to 7 percent) require hospital admission.