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Identification of adverse reactions to drugs in a second-level hospital of ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Medications help maintain and increase the quality of life of patients. However, the occurrence of adverse reactions as a result of their consumption has become a public health concern worldwide. Objective: To identify adverse reactions to drugs in a second-level hospital in Ecuador, in order to increase the safety of patients during their pharmacological treatment. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and field study, carried out in the period from November 2019 to January 2020. The universe was made up of the patients from the surgery and internal medicine departments (562 and 859, respectively). The sample was made up of 109 and 152 patients, respectively, who met the selection criteria. Results: Among the medical records of the surgical area, 9.17% of adverse drug reactions were detected, as well as 10.53% in the internal medicine area. The most prevalent reactions included dizziness (40% accounted for surgery and 18.75% accounted for internal medicine) and nausea (20% for surgery and 18.75% for internal medicine). Gastrointestinal diseases were recognized as the most frequent hospital diagnosis among patients who had suspected reactions to medications (acute appendicitis accounted for 25.96% and cholelithiasis accounted for 31.25%). Metformin (35.35% for surgery) and tramadol (37.5% for internal medicine) were the most common drugs involved in the occurrence of adverse reactions. According to their causal relationship, possible adverse reactions were found in a higher percentage and the minor ones manifested according to the level of severity. Conclusions: Adverse drug reactions should be considered as a risk against patient health and stability. Therefore, it puts the health system on alert to consider more rigorous mechanisms in the application and compliance of a robust pharmacovigilance system.