Adverse drug reactions monitoring of anticoagulant drugs used in cardiac coronary care unit of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Anticoagulants are the most commonly implicated drugs, used in cardiology unit and they are responsible for a majority of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the pattern of ADRs reported with anticoagulant drugs used in the cardiology unit of a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This observational prospective study was undertaken from September 2017 to August 2018. Causality assessment of ADRs was assessed using the WHO and Naranjo scale of probability. The severity was assessed by modified Hartwig and Siegel scale, and preventability of ADRs was assessed by Schumock and Thornton scale.Results: Out of the total forty-one ADRs recorded, 40 (97.56%) were mild and 1 (2.44%) was reported as severe on the Hartwig and Siegel severity scale. Hematuria (68.29%) was the most common ADR followed by hemoptysis (14.63%). Among all anticoagulants, low molecular weight heparin was associated with the majority of ADRs (85.37%). The WHO causality and Naranjo Scale revealed that maximum of the ADRs (~80%) were possible. All ADRs reported was Type “A” reactions according to Wills and Brown classification of ADRs. Majority of ADRs (97.56%) were probably preventable.Conclusions: In the present study, hematuria was the most common ADR reported. Among all anticoagulants, Low molecular weight heparin accounted for the majority of ADRs followed by acenocoumarol and heparin. Intensive monitoring and frequent reporting need to be done in cardiac units to improve patient safety.