Adverse Drug Reactions and Pattern Use of Cephalosporins: A Retrospective Review of Hospitalized Patients During 5 Years

Cephalosporin drugs are among the most widely prescribed drugs and their utilization can be complicated by the development of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and characteristics of cephalosporin-induced ADRs and to compare the usage pattern of cephalosporin in hospitalized patients in China over a 5-year period, from January 2008 to December 2012. All insured prescriptions which were recorded in hospital information system were retrospectively evaluated for prescriptions included at least one dosage form cephalosporin. All ADRs induced by cephalosporins in the database of Chinese Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring were analyzed. Of 352,661 inpatients who received cephalosporins, 2046 (0.58%) exhibited ADRs. Cefatriaxone and cefalexin were the drugs most frequently involved in the development of ADRs. The dermatological system (43.50%) was the most commonly affected organ system, with skin rash (30.60%) being the most frequently reported reaction. Cefatriaxone (15.59%) was the most frequently reported individual drug. The most common predisposing factors were polypharmacy and having a history of allergies, which in turn were the main predisposing factors of allergic shock and rash induced by cephalosporins. In conclusion, cephalosporins therapy represents a common cause of ADRs in hospitalised patients the pattern of ADRs reported in the hospitals. The findings offer opportunities for interventions, especially for preventable ADRs, to ensure safer drug use.