ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS (ADRS) TO ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS: A PHARMACOVIGILANCE STUDY – A META-ANALYSIS
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Keywords
Adverse drug reactions; Antihypertensive drugs; Meta-analysis; Drug safety; Hypertension
Abstract
Background: Antihypertensive drugs are widely prescribed for the long-term management of hypertension. Although these agents effectively reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, their chronic use is frequently associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which may compromise treatment adherence and patient safety. A quantitative synthesis of available evidence is essential to better understand the burden and pattern of ADRs related to antihypertensive therapy.
Objective: To estimate the pooled prevalence, distribution, and severity of adverse drug reactions associated with antihypertensive drugs using meta-analytical methods.
Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using data from published studies reporting adverse drug reactions to antihypertensive drugs. Pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model. Class-wise analysis, organ system involvement, severity distribution, heterogeneity assessment, publication bias evaluation, and sensitivity analysis were performed.
Results: Data from 32 studies comprising 18,742 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of adverse drug reactions associated with antihypertensive drugs was 22.8% (95% CI: 19.4–26.3), with substantial heterogeneity among studies. Calcium channel blockers showed the highest pooled ADR prevalence, followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, while angiotensin receptor blockers demonstrated the lowest prevalence. Cardiovascular and nervous system-related ADRs were most commonly reported. The majority of ADRs were mild to moderate in severity, with severe reactions accounting for a small proportion of cases. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of pooled estimates.
Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that adverse drug reactions are common among patients receiving antihypertensive therapy, though most reactions are mild to moderate. Class-specific differences in ADR prevalence highlight the importance of individualized drug selection and continuous safety monitoring to optimize hypertension management and improve long-term treatment adherence.
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Vivek Tejvir Yadav
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Satyajyoti Tiwari
Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Santosh Medical College, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Mohd Sajid Khan
Professor & Head of Department, Department of Pharmacology, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Hariom Soni
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Amit Singhal
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nitesh Prakash
Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
