Drug side effects and clinical uses

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DRUG SIDE EFFECTS & CLINICAL USES NOTES

1. DRUG SIDE EFFECTS (ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS – ADRs)

Definition
Unwanted or harmful effects that occur when a drug is taken at normal doses.
Types of Side Effects (ADRs)


1. Type A (Augmented)
Predictable and dose-dependent
Related to drug’s normal action

Examples:
Aspirin → Gastric irritation
Insulin → Hypoglycemia
Common and usually preventable


2. Type B (Bizarre)
Unpredictable
Not dose-dependent
Often allergic or genetic

Examples:
Penicillin → Anaphylaxis
Rare but dangerous


3. Type C (Chronic)
Due to long-term use

Examples:


4. Type D (Delayed)
Occur after long time

Examples:
Chemotherapy → Secondary cancers


5. Type E (End-of-use)
Withdrawal effects

Examples:
Morphine → Withdrawal symptoms


6. Type F (Failure)
Unexpected failure of therapy

Example:


Common Side Effects Categories
Gastrointestinal
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Central Nervous System (CNS)
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache

Allergic Reactions
Rash
Itching
Anaphylaxis

Organ Toxicity
Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)

Factors Affecting Side Effects
Age (elderly & children more vulnerable)
Dose and duration
Genetic factors
Disease conditions


Definition
The medical conditions or diseases for which a drug is used.

Categories of Clinical Uses
1. Curative
Treat and eliminate disease

Examples:
Amoxicillin → Bacterial infections

2. Palliative
Relieve symptoms (not cure)

Examples:
Paracetamol → Pain relief

3. Preventive (Prophylactic)
Prevent disease

Examples:
Vaccines → Prevent infections

4. Diagnostic
Help diagnose disease

Examples:
Contrast agents in imaging

5. Replacement Therapy
Replace missing substances

Examples:
Insulin → Diabetes
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