A Study on Pharmacovigilance in the Hospitalized Pediatric Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital

Pharmacovigilance is a critical aspect of public health, aiming to detect, assess, understand, and prevent adverse effects and other drug-related issues. It plays a pivotal role not only in the development phase of medications but also in post-marketing surveillance, ensuring ongoing safety and efficacy. In India, the Pharmacovigilance Programme (PvPI) spearheaded by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) aims to safeguard public health by collating and analyzing data to inform regulatory interventions and communicate risks to healthcare professionals and the public. The classification of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) based on types and severity provides a framework for understanding and managing these occurrences. Additionally, factors predisposing individuals to ADRs, such as drug-related, social, patient-related, and disease-related factors, are crucial considerations in pharmacovigilance efforts. Furthermore, understanding drug interactions, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, combined toxicity, additive effects, synergistic effects, and antagonistic interactions, is essential in optimizing therapy and minimizing risks to patients. Overall, pharmacovigilance is indispensable in ensuring the rational use of medicines and optimizing patient outcomes while safeguarding public health. KEYWORDS: Pharmacovigilance, Pediatric, PvPI, Adverse drug reaction.