What is an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)?

An Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) is defined as an unintended harmful response to a medication when it is administered at normal doses. This means that despite the medication being prescribed correctly, an individual may experience negative side effects that can range from mild discomfort to serious health complications. Recognizing ADRs is crucial in clinical settings, as they can influence patient safety, the effectiveness of treatment regimens, and may require adjusting dosages or discontinuing a medication altogether.

While options referring to beneficial responses or expected common side effects describe normal therapeutic effects or minor, anticipated reactions, they do not capture the essence of what an ADR entails. Allergic reactions to medication are a particular type of adverse reaction but do not encompass all unintended harmful responses to a drug. Hence, the most accurate definition focuses specifically on the broad spectrum of unintended adverse effects, which is why identifying an ADR as an unintended harmful response at normal dosages is essential in ensuring proper patient care.