Professor D.M. Davies, founder of Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin: a tribute on the 50th anniversary of Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin
Summary: The Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin has been published bimonthly for the last 50 years. The format has remained the same with four sides of approximately 2000 words on an important adverse reaction, but has grown from sheets stencilled for distribution locally to a bulletin with a large circulation both in English and Italian. Its aim remains, as then, to provide a succinct summary of the causes and mechanisms of a particular adverse reaction, or the types of reactions which affect a particular system organ class. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - December 1, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Invited Review Article Source Type: research
Drug-induced peripheral neuropathy
Summary: Drug-induced peripheral neuropathy is an important clinical problem. It can cause irreversible symptoms such as pain and numbness that have an enormous impact on ability to function normally and perceived quality of life. This can lead to dose reductions or a requirement to cease treatment with a particular drug. The mechanisms of damage are not always fully understood, but particular drugs such as the cancer chemotherapy agents are well known as identified causes of peripheral neuropathy. Investigative methods are not always satisfactory and the diagnosis is frequently clinical. It is important for clinicians to ...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - October 1, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Invited Review Article Source Type: research
Stimulant pharmacotherapy for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: cardiovascular effects and risk of sudden cardiac death
Summary: Drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are increasingly being used in adults. There have been concerns about the cardiovascular safety of stimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs. Overall, studies in adults have shown small but statistically significant increases in heart rate and DBP and SBP, but have been relatively short term. Epidemiological studies have not clearly demonstrated an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, but a small increase in the risk cannot be ruled out. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - August 1, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Invited Review Article Source Type: research
Drugs that lower the seizure threshold
Summary: Drugs with potential to lower the seizure threshold are numerous and diverse. Whether they contribute to clinically overt seizures depends on the dosage in which they are taken, the time-course of their effects and the susceptibility of the patient. Crucially, however, their contribution to seizure risk is potentially modifiable. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - May 25, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Invited Review Article Source Type: research
Adverse reactions to intravenous acetylcysteine in paracetamol poisoning
This article reviews the features of these reactions, the factors that affect their frequency, and ways to reduce their frequency and severity. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - April 1, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Ulceration from nicorandil
Summary: Nicorandil is a vasodilator used to treat symptoms of angina pectoris. It is associated with painful ulceration of the skin and mucous membranes in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, genital tract, and eye. The ulcers do not heal unless the drug is withdrawn or the dosage is at least reduced. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - February 1, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Addressing DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)
Summary: The syndrome of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is the manifestation of a severe idiosyncratic drug-induced reaction with variable latency period. DRESS occurs in one in 1000 to one in 10 000 of drug exposures with high rates of long-term sequelae and mortality of around 10%. There are several classes of drugs historically associated with DRESS – aromatic antiepileptics such as carbamazepine and related compounds, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiretroviral drugs and antibiotics as well as drugs such as sulfasalazine, allopurinol and dapsone. There is growing recognition ...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - December 1, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Safe prescribing in the autosomal dominant acute porphyrias: a practical approach: Part II
Summary: The autosomal dominant acute hepatic porphyrias – principally acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, and hereditary coproporphyria – can present with potentially fatal acute neurological crisis as a consequence of exposure to various precipitants including legal and illegal drugs. Part 1 of this review covered the assessment of drugs’ porphyinogenicity and described grading systems that are in use worldwide. Part 2 covers the complex safety assessments that should be undertaken when deciding whether drug treatment is appropriate or not. A clinical porphyria specialist can provide help in these ci...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - September 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Safe prescribing in the autosomal dominant acute porphyrias: a practical approach: Part I
Summary: The autosomal dominant acute hepatic porphyrias – principally acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, and hereditary coproporphyria – can present with potentially fatal acute neurological crisis as a consequence of exposure to various precipitants including legal and illegal drugs. Information from clinical experience, and animal and cell culture experiments as well as pharmacological assessment is used to predict the likelihood that a drug may trigger an acute attack and whether it should be avoided. European specialist services have agreed a common approach, with the development of a searchable dr...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - August 1, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Blood pressure-lowering medication and erectile dysfunction: are the drugs to blame?
Summary: Erectile dysfunction is very common in hypertensive men and is often attributed to blood pressure-lowering medication. Antihypertensive agents differ in their impact on erectile function. There is little good evidence. Published work suggests that angiotensin receptor antagonists and the highly selective β1-blocker nebivolol have a neutral or even beneficial effect on erectile function. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - June 1, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Adverse reactions to anticholinergic agents used in the management of obstructive pulmonary disease
Summary: Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists are widely used in the management of obstructive airways disease. There nevertheless exists only limited evidence that these receptor antagonists improve prognosis and their use is complicated by systemic adverse reactions affecting many organ systems. Contemporary anticholinergic agents cause fewer adverse reactions and have lower systemic bioavailability than their predecessors, yet their use may be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. (Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin)
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - March 28, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Photosensitivity reactions and skin tumours associated with voriconazole
Summary: Use of voriconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, has often been associated with photosensitivity, and this adverse reaction has been linked to a risk of tumours in light-exposed areas, especially squamous cell carcinomas, but also melanomas. The mechanisms by which voriconazole causes these effects are not clear, but susceptibility factors for a predisposition to skin cancers include duration of use, immunosuppression, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, advanced age, and skin type. Voriconazole should be used carefully, particularly in patients with susceptibility factors for skin cancer. If prolonged voriconazole therapy...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - February 1, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw: medical implications and dental complications
Summary: Bisphosphonates are widely used to treat osteoporosis. They inhibit normal bone turnover by inducing osteoclast apoptosis. This impedes normal remodelling, thereby preventing further deterioration in bone architecture. However, use of bisphosphonates for some years can lead to accumulation of old fragile bone, occlusion of haversian sinuses, and ultimately osteonecrosis and sequestrum formation. Dental extraction and other invasive dental procedures have been identified as risk factors for the development of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. The role of a dentist is, in combination with a physician,...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - December 1, 2014 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw: medical implications and dental complications
SummaryBisphosphonates are widely used to treat osteoporosis. They inhibit normal bone turnover by inducing osteoclast apoptosis. This impedes normal remodelling, thereby preventing further deterioration in bone architecture. However, use of bisphosphonates for some years can lead to accumulation of old fragile bone, occlusion of haversian sinuses, and ultimately osteonecrosis and sequestrum formation. Dental extraction and other invasive dental procedures have been identified as risk factors for the development of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. The role of a dentist is, in combination with a physician, t...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - December 1, 2014 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
Acute and chronic adverse reaction of anabolic–androgenic steroids
SummaryAnabolic–androgenic steroids (anabolic androgens, AAS) are widely abused to enhance performance in sport. The use of AAS chronically or at high dose is associated liver toxicity, sexual dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. There is, however, no epidemiological evidence for a link between cardiovascular disease and AAS use. Mild but more frequently seen adverse reactions, such as acne and testicular atrophy, disappear when the use is discontinued. Some of the cardiovascular adverse effects of AAS, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and coagulation abnormalities, remit after the cessation of anabolic androgen ...
Source: Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin - October 1, 2014 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research
