A STUDY ON CLINICAL PATTERN OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS TO THE DRUGS USED FOR HYPERTENSION AND ASSESMENT OF MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE IN SUCH PATIENTS.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to monitor adverse drug reactions associated with antihypertensive drugs. due to its high prevalence, Hypertension is a major health problem throughout the world and very less studies has been aimed at assessing the patient’s knowledge and awareness about hypertension and adherence to antihypertensive medication among hypertensive patients .Hypertension is a major health problem and risk factor for stroke, coronary heart diseases and antihypertensive treatment is used to reduce renal and cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure. Occurrence of adverse reactions among hypertensive patients could prevent or delay patients from achieving desired therapeutic goals. The study was conducted by one to one patient interview using a questionnaire-based medication knowledge form, Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Form drafted according to the World Health Organisation Monitoring Guidelines. A total of 86 adverse drug reactions were observed in 127 hypertensive patients during the 6 month study. In this study the ADRs were found probable (51.16%), possible (32.56%), unclassifiable (11.63%) and unlikely (4.65%) by using WHO causality assessment scale. By using Naranjo algorithm scale it was found that ADRs were possible in 77.91% and probable in 22.09% of cases. This study also found that amlodipine was responsible for most of the ADRs and among the entire ADRs reported headache was the commonest followed by dizziness, pedal oedema, fatigue, abdominal pain, dry cough, breathlessness, bradycardia, muscle cramps, sedation, diarrhoea and irritation all over thebody. After counseling by clinical pharmacist medication knowledge was found to be increased.
Keywords: Adverse drug reaction, medication knowledge, hypertension