Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with the Most Prescribed Antibiotics

Antibiotics were initially viewed as wonder medications mainly because they were introduced at a time when only surgical drainage or spontaneous cures were available to manage severe bacterial infectious diseases. Antibiotics caused several adverse effects such as nausea, diarrhea, rashes, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. The present study was a retrospective, descriptive analysis of the reports of the adverse drug events that were associated with the most prescribed antibiotics. It included the reports that were submitted to FAERS prior to July 1, 2022. The present study showed that there are several adverse events to the frequently used antibiotics. The main adverse events were rash, drug hypersensitivity, pruritus, dyspnea, and several gastrointestinal adverse effects such as diarrhea. These antibiotics could cause also uncommon but serious effects. Knowing the rates of frequent adverse events that are associated with antibiotic use may inform decisions by helping prescribers balance harms against benefits.

Automated summary

Antibiotics were initially seen as miraculous drugs due to the lack of alternative treatments for severe bacterial infections. However, they can cause adverse effects such as nausea, diarrhea, rashes, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. A retrospective analysis of adverse drug events associated with commonly prescribed antibiotics revealed the occurrence of various adverse events, including rash, drug hypersensitivity, pruritus, dyspnea, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Although uncommon, serious adverse effects can also occur. Understanding the rates of frequent adverse events associated with antibiotic use can help prescribers weigh the benefits against the harms.