Pattern of adverse drug reactions among geriatric population of Anand district, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: The elderly population is increasing rapidly worldwide. Physiological and pharmacological variations in the elderly population make them prone to high drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ADRs in geriatric people are common cause for increased hospital admission as well as morbidity and mortality. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to observe the type and pattern of ADRs among the geriatric population. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on the geriatric population of Anand district. A total of 500 patients were enrolled. Participant of either gender who has completed 65 years of age and who were on medication was included in the study. The participants were interviewed at their homes after taking informed consent. Information regarding demography, disease, and drugs was taken and entered into the case record form. Reported ADRs experienced by patients were confirmed by their treating physicians. Results: Of 500 participants, 55.2% were male and 44.8% were female. Among them, 9.4% participants experienced 55 ADRs in the past 6 months. Antidiabetic agents and cardiovascular agents were leading causative agents for ADRs in 32.72% cases each. The most frequently observed complaints were regarding hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal upset in 12.72% cases each. According to the WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Centre causality assessment scale, 69% reactions were classified as probable, 32.63% were classified as certain/definite, and 7.27% were classified as possible. Conclusions: Geriatric patients require close monitoring for ADRs to avoid clinically significant harmful consequences. Insulin/Anti-diabetic agents and cardiovascular agents caused the highest number of ADRs in our study which indicates that adequate caution, proper care, and continuous monitoring and good communication among doctor and patient must be implemented.