Authors: Gallelli, L.¹; Colosimo, M.¹; Pirritano, D.¹; Ferraro, M.²; De Fazio, S.¹; Marigliano, N.M.¹; De Sarro, G.¹

Source: Clinical Drug Investigation, Volume 27, Number 2, 2007 , pp. 115-122(8)

Publisher: Adis International

Abstract:

Background and objective: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely prescribed drugs, and their use can be complicated by the development of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of NSAID-induced ADRs in hospitalised patients in the Clinical Divisions of the Catanzaro and Cosenza hospitals.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed NSAID-induced ADRs after evaluating all ADRs recorded by the Clinical Divisions of the Catanzaro and Cosenza hospitals over a 10-year period, from January 1995 to December 2004.

Results: NSAIDs were found to be responsible for 55.2% of the episodes of ADRs overall. Diclofenac and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) were the drugs most frequently involved in the development of ADRs, while the skin was the body system most susceptible to NSAID-induced ADRs (43%). We determined that the drug-ADR relationship was probable in 62% of the reports; withdrawal of NSAID therapy led to a resolution of the clinical features of ADRs in 86% of episodes.

Conclusion: NSAID therapy represents a common cause of ADRs in hospitalised patients. Their use should be carefully considered, especially in the presence of polydrug therapy.

Keywords: Adverse drug reactions; Cyclo oxygenase inhibitors; Hospitalisation; Nonsteroidal anti inflammatories

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: 1 Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance Operative Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University `Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, `Mater Domini' University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy 2: 2 Internal Medicine Operative Unit, San Giovanni in Fiore Hospital, San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Italy

Publication date: 2007-01-01

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