Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring of antihypertensive drugs in a tertiary care setting: A prospective observational study

Hypertension requires long-term therapy. However, antihypertensive drugs may cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs) affecting compliance and quality of life. This 12-month prospective observational study included 500 patients receiving at least one antihypertensive medication. A total of 95 ADRs (17.6%) were identified, most commonly due to calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, with pedal edema, dry cough and dizziness being the frequent events. ADRs were significantly higher in patients on polypharmacy (p = 0.004) and most were classified as moderate and probable. Active pharmacovigilance is essential to improve safety and optimize hypertension management.