A study of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous reactions are the most common types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Drugs administered systemically are the important causes of cutaneous ADRs (CADRs). The physicians should be familiar with these CADRs so that it would help in early recognition and prompt withdrawal of drug. For this, a good knowledge about the pattern, frequency, and causative agents of dermatological adverse reactions in our hospital is needed. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to reveal the pattern, frequency, and most common drugs causing dermatological ADRs in our institution. There is no such study done about the CADRs reported in our institution; so far, hence, this study was done. Materials and Methods: In this study, the CADRs identified and reported by the dermatologist in the dermatology out-patient department as well in patients admitted in the dermatology ward were studied. Results: The common CADRs were urticaria 42.3%, erythematous lesions 34.6%, Stevens–Johnson syndrome 15.3%, hyperpigmentation 7%, and maculopapular rash 7%. Among the different groups of drugs, antibiotics is at the top of the list with 31.3%, followed by antitubercular drugs 24.2%, antiretroviral drugs 21.3%, antiepileptic drugs 10%, and other miscellaneous drugs. Conclusion: Early recognition of various CADRs is essential so that the offending drug is recognized and stopped immediately. This can also help in prevention of ADRs.