PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN PRACTICE: ASSESSING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL CENTRAL INDIA

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the frequency, severity, and causality of ADRs reported at the ADR Monitoring Centre, Department of Pharmacology, MGM Medical College, Indore, to improve drug safety practices. Methods: A retrospective study at the ADR Monitoring Centre in Indore analyzed suspected ADR Reporting Forms from the past six months. The analysis focused on ADR frequency, severity, and causality, categorized using the World Health Organization (WHO) causality assessment scale. Results: Over six months, 502 ADR forms were reported at Maharaja Yashwant Rao Hospital, Indore, with males (25-55 years) accounting for 50% of the cases. The psychiatry department reported the most ADRs (57.5%), followed by pediatrics (12.1%) and gynecology (9.7%). Commonly implicated drug classes were antipsychotics, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants. Valproate (14%), ceftriaxone (8%), and olanzapine (6%) were frequently involved drugs. About 52.6% of ADRs were certain, and 25% were probable in causality analysis. Conclusion: Monitoring and reporting ADRs are crucial in healthcare. Raising awareness about ADR reporting among doctors and patients can promote safer drug use, reduce associated ADR-related morbidity, ease the treatment burden on patients, and enhance their quality of life.