Investigating adverse drug reactions among patients on antihypertensive medicines at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Mgode, Hanna; Phiri, Gomegzani

Investigating adverse drug reactions among patients on antihypertensive medicines at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Date

2021-03-21

Authors

Mgode, Hanna

Phiri, Gomegzani

Publisher

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Adverse drug reaction is one of the major causes of deaths worldwide and present a serious public health problem with patient compliance that affect patients, caregivers, pharmaceutical companies and the health system as a whole. Prevalence of hypertension in Malawi is increasing and more people are being put on anti-hypertensive medicines which increase exposures to adverse drug reactions. However, in Malawi there is little epidemiological data available on the adverse drug reactions. Hence, the proposed study will investigate the prevalence and severity of adverse drug reactions experienced by patients on anti-hypertensive medicines. This study is specifically aimed at investigating adverse drug effects among patients on antihypertensive medicines at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. Data will be collected through direct interviews with patients using a guided form adapted from PMRA ADR reporting form. Analysis will be done using MS Excel and algorithmic tools such as the Naranjo criteria. The results from this study will assist policy makers when coming up with new approaches and guidelines in the management of hypertension. It will also help in minimizing ADRs especially for the ones that will be found to be preventable.