ETIOLOGY ADVERSE REACTIONS TO DRUGS

 

Most adverse drug reactions are preventable, and recent studies using a systems analysis approach suggest that the most common system failure associated with an adverse drug reaction is the failure to disseminate knowledge about drugs to individuals who prescribe and administer them. Most adverse reactions may be classified in two groups. The most frequent ones result from exaggeration of an intended pharmacologic action of the drug, and the underlying mechanisms have been discussed above. Other adverse reactions ensue from toxic effects unrelated to the intended pharmacologic actions. The latter effects are often unpredictable and frequently severe, and result from recognized as well as undiscovered mechanisms.

Source: Harrison_s_Principles_of_Internal_Medicine_16th_Edition