Toxic Effects of Drugs Flashcards

Adverse effects

Undesired effects that may be unpleasant or dangerous, beyond the therapeutic effect.

Primary action

The drug’s main therapeutic effect; adverse effects that extend from this action (e.g., overdose causing dangerously low BP).

Secondary actions

Undesired effects that accompany the primary pharmacologic effect (e.g., decreased BP with a concurrent decreased heart rate).

Hypersensitivity

An excessive or overly sensitive immune response to a drug.

Drug allergy

An immune-mediated reaction to a drug, potentially involving antibodies and leading to reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, rapid hypersensitivity reaction with symptoms like skin changes, airway narrowing, and hypotension requiring immediate treatment.

Cytotoxic

A type II hypersensitivity reaction where antibodies cause cell death, often damaging blood-forming cells.

Serum sickness

A type III hypersensitivity reaction with antibody deposition in vessels causing tissue damage, typically 1+ week after exposure.

Delayed allergic reactions

Type IV hypersensitivity reactions that occur hours to days after exposure, often affecting skin or joints.

Dermatologic toxicity

Drug-induced skin effects such as rashes or hives.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.

Superinfections

Infections that occur or become apparent when the immune system is suppressed by a drug.

Blood dyscrasia

Abnormal blood cell production, including anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.

Bone marrow suppression

Decreased production of red cells, white cells, and platelets due to drug effects.

Ocular toxicity

Drug-related damage or toxicity to the eyes, potentially affecting vision.

Auditory toxicity

Drug-related damage to the ears, including dizziness, tinnitus, or balance problems.

Neurotoxicity

Toxic effects on the nervous system, including CNS or peripheral nerves.

Liver injury (hepatic toxicity)

Drug-induced liver damage; may present with fever, nausea, jaundice, and elevated LFTs; often mandates stopping the drug.

Renal injury

Drug-induced kidney injury, assessed by changes in urine output or BUN/creatinine; may require dose reduction or discontinuation.

Teratogenicity

Toxicity to a developing fetus, potentially causing birth defects or fetal harm.

Overdose

Taking too much of a drug, causing multi-system damage and potential fatality; treatment varies by drug.

Medication errors

Preventable events that lead to inappropriate medication use or harm, often due to performance, knowledge, calculation, or communication issues.

Right patient

Administering a medication to the correct patient.

Right drug

Administering the correct medication.

Right route

Administering the medication by the correct route (oral, IV, etc.).

Right dose

Administering the correct amount of medication.

Right preparation

Ensuring the medication is properly prepared for administration.

Right time

Administering the medication at the correct time.

Right documentation

Accurate recording of medication administration.

Access to medications

Challenges related to obtaining medications, including insurance, cost, availability, and pharmacy access.

Off-label use

Using a drug for indications, doses, or populations not approved by the regulatory agency.

Opioid crisis

Widespread issues of opioid misuse and addiction, partly linked to prescribing practices and availability.