Evaluation of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Skin is one of the most frequently involved organ in adverse drug reactions. A wide spectrum of reactions ranging from maculopapular rashes to toxic epidermal necrolysis can be caused by different classes of drugs. Objectives: To evaluate the cutaneous adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital using standard assessment scales. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital between June 2013 – May 2017. All the inpatient and outpatient records were analysed for Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) during the study period. Results: Out of 124 patient case files reviewed, 90 patients were included in the study. Of these 90 patients, 55.6% were males. Maximum number of cases were in the age group of 20-39 years (37.8%). Fixed drug eruption and maculopapular rash were the most common CADRs reported. Type of drug reaction was not significantly associated with age and sex. The most common drugs implicated were antibiotics (33.3%) followed by NSAIDs (21.1%). Most of the patients were managed on outpatient basis (67.8%). Probable association was seen in 86.67% and 13.3% had a possible association. About 92.2% of CADRs were in the moderate category. Conclusion: Commonly used drugs can cause CADRs. Hence careful use of drugs weighing the benefit risk ratio is essential. Pharmacovigilance will play a vital role in monitoring ADRs especially those due to the newer drugs.