CUTANEOUS ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS: CLINICAL PATTERN AND CAUSATIVE AGENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN CENTRAL KARNATAKA

Introduction: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) are the most common manifestations of drug sensitivity, exhibiting a wide range of morphologies. Thus, understanding these reactions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and prevention. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the most common aetiology, various clinical manifestations of adverse cutaneous drug reactions (CADR), and to assess the association of morphological cutaneous pattern of CADR and etiological group of drugs. A cross-sectional, observati Methods: onal study was carried out at dermatological department of a tertiary care center in Cental Karnataka. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients, and data were gathered using a pre-tested Performa that included a comprehensive clinical history, examination, and pertinent laboratory investigations. The results were analyzed using SPSS (Version 21.0). This study included a total of 72 patients out of w Results: hich 43 were females and 29 were males. Maximum CADR were observed in the age group of 20-30 years (31.9%), followed by 31-40 years (25.0%). The most common etiological group of drugs responsible for CADRs is antibiotics (33.3%) pointing toward its rampant use with and without prescription, NSAIDs (19.4%), antiepileptics (18.05%), and antitubercular therapy (5.55%) followed by antiretroviral therapy, antiprotozoals and antifungal agents (4.16% each). Majority of CADRs, that is, 52.7% comprised of probable CADRs as per “Naranjo's algorithm.” The most common type of lesions observed were papules (30%), macules (20%), plaques (7%), and edema (7%). The signicance of this study was to st Conclusion: udy the prole of CADR and to highlight the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers in monitoring and promptly reporting such reactions. Effective documentation and systematic oversight of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can signicantly reduce adverse events in patient care and contribute to more effective drug administration. Further research is crucial to enhance awareness of potential CADRs and to facilitate early detection, ultimately supporting the implementation of robust drug safety protocols.