Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a frequent yet often under-recognized cause of patient morbidity in routine clinical practice. They can range from mild, self-limiting symptoms to serious, life-threatening events requiring hospitalization. Elderly patients, those with multiple comorbidities, and individuals on polypharmacy are at particularly high risk, making vigilance essential across all specialties. Early recognition of ADRs depends on maintaining a high index of suspicion.
New or unexplained symptoms—such as rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, electrolyte imbalance, or altered mental status—should always prompt a review of recent medication changes, dose escalations, and drug–drug interactions. Temporal association between drug initiation and symptom onset remains one of the most valuable clinical clues. Prevention of ADRs begins with rational prescribing. Using…
