A Study on the Patterns of Antibiotic-Associated Adverse Drug Reactions in a Multispecialty Hospital

Abstract

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major concern in clinical practice, particularly among hospitalized patients receiving multiple medications. Antibiotics, one of the most widely prescribed drug classes, are frequently implicated and contribute substantially to morbidity and healthcare burden. This retrospective observational study was conducted over one year at a multispecialty hospital in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, to evaluate the incidence, causality, severity, and patterns of antibiotic-associated ADRs. Among 15,430 hospital admissions, 65 ADRs were identified, of which 38 (58.5%) were linked to antibiotics. The elderly population (≥45 years) was most affected, while males and females were equally represented. Cefoperazone + Sulbactam was the most frequently implicated antibiotic (31.6%), followed by Ceftriaxone and Piperacillin + Tazobactam. The predominant clinical manifestations were generalized itching and skin rashes. Causality assessment showed most reactions were “probable,” and severity analysis revealed they were predominantly mild to moderate. These findings highlight the need for vigilant pharmacovigilance, rational antibiotic prescribing, and early recognition of hypersensitivity reactions. Strengthening antibiotic stewardship programs and continuous monitoring are crucial to minimize antibiotic-related ADRs and enhance patient safety in hospital settings.