Open AccessSelf-reported adverse reactions associated with topical ophthalmic medication use: a cross-sectional survey
Author(s) -
Samuel Kyei,
George Asumeng Koffuor,
Elvis Ofori Ameyaw,
Paul Ramkissoon,
Daniel Adu-Agyeman
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
drugs and therapy studies/drugs and therapy studies (online)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2038-9507
pISSN - 2038-9493
DOI - 10.4081/dts.2014.5278
Subject(s) - medicine , cross sectional study , adverse effect , itching , dosing , demographics , drug , adverse drug reaction , drug reaction , population , dermatology , pharmacology , demography , environmental health , pathology , sociology
The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported adverse reactions associated with the use of topical ophthalmic medications. A cross-sectional survey, involving 500 ophthalmic patients recruited from three eye care facilities in the Central Region of Ghana was conducted. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants to collect data on demographics, name of drug, dosage form, and dosing frequency of ophthalmic medications used, as well as adverse reactions experienced. The pHs of frequently prescribed ophthalmic medications to the patients were measured. The prevalence of reported adverse drug reaction [predominantly burning sensation (55%), blurry vision (22%) and itching (13%)] was 44.8%. More Females reported adverse drug reactions than males (χ2=26.24, P<0.001). The aged reported more adverse reaction than others (P<0.01). Patients using cream ophthalmic medications reported more adverse drug reactions than those using other dosage forms (χ2=8.80, P=0.024). The pHs of the commonly prescribed ophthalmic medications measured ranged between 4.44-7.37 (desired: 6.6-7.8). There is a high prevalence of reported symptoms of adverse drug reactions among this clinical population attributable to the acid/base status of the drug agent.