Adverse Drug Reactions Flashcards

What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse drug reaction?

Answer: Side effects are expected secondary effects; adverse reactions are harmful unintended effects

Side effects are known, predictable secondary effects (like drowsiness from antihistamines), while adverse drug reactions are harmful, unintended responses that may require treatment modification.

What is a Type A adverse drug reaction?

Answer: A dose-dependent, predictable reaction related to the drug's known pharmacological action

Type A (augmented) reactions are extensions of the drug's pharmacological effect, predictable, dose-dependent, and account for about 80% of adverse reactions.

What is anaphylaxis and how should it be treated?

Answer: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction treated with intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency involving airway swelling, hypotension, and potentially death. Intramuscular adrenaline is the first-line treatment.

What drugs commonly cause QT prolongation?

Answer: Certain antibiotics (erythromycin, fluoroquinolones), antipsychotics, and antiarrhythmics

Many drug classes can prolong the QT interval, including macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, methadone, and some antiemetics, risking torsades de pointes.

What is the Yellow Card Scheme?

Answer: The UK system for reporting suspected adverse drug reactions to the MHRA

The Yellow Card Scheme allows healthcare professionals and patients to report suspected adverse drug reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

What does 'first-dose hypotension' mean?

Answer: A significant drop in blood pressure occurring with the initial dose of certain medications like ACE inhibitors

First-dose hypotension is particularly associated with ACE inhibitors, alpha-blockers, and some antihypertensives, especially in volume-depleted or elderly patients.