Cutaneous adverse drugs reactions (CADRs) are very common among ADRs. They account for patient’s suffering, hospitalization and economic burden. Majority of CADRs are diagnosed clinically. The common offending drugs are antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-epileptic drugs and anti-gout agents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the occurrence of CADRs, clinical patterns associated, along with causality, severity and effect on quality of life. A Prospective observational study was undertaken over a period of six months in dermatology OPD, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A total of 58 patients, who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The majority of the patients were found to be under the age of 50 years and female subjects were more than males. In this study, most of the reactions were caused by Phenytoin (19%), followed by Amoxicillin (13.8%). Commonest CADR in our study was Exanthematous (maculopapular) rash that is about 24.1%, followed by 19% Acuteurticaria. Causality assessment was done using Naranjo’s algorithmic scale, majority of the cases were of probable score (69%). Severity assessment using modified Hartwig and Siegel scale shows majority of cases (56.9%) of grading. Quality of life assessment using Dermatological life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire shows majority of patients (46.6%) had a very large effect of CADRs in their QOL. Every drug must be regarded as potentially hazardous and the risk due to drug reaction must be weighed against the expected therapeutic benefit for each patient, so that the occurrence of CADRs can be minimized.
