Drug-induced disorders

Am Fam Physician. 1997 Nov 1;56(7):1781-8, 1791-2.

Abstract

Recent estimates suggest that each year more than 1 million patients are injured while in the hospital and approximately 180,000 die because of these injuries. Furthermore, drug-related morbidity and mortality are common and are estimated to cost more than $136 billion a year. The most common type of drug-induced disorder is dose-dependent and predictable. Many adverse drug events occur as a result of drug-drug, drug-disease or drug-food interactions and, therefore, are preventable. Clinicians' awareness of the agents that commonly cause drug-induced disorders and recognition of compromised organ function can significantly decrease the likelihood that an adverse event will occur. Patient assessment should include a thorough medication history, including an analysis of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs and "health-food" products to identify drug-induced problems and potentially reversible conditions. An increased awareness among clinicians of drug-induced disorders should maximize their recognition and minimize their incidence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Disease / etiology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Humans
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System