Frequency of Self-Reported Allergic Reactions to the Drugs Among Medical Students of Peshawar

Abstract

Objective: Worldwide studies indicate that allergic reactions to drug(s) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. However, the epidemiological data regarding drug allergies is limited in our community. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of self-reported drug allergic reactions among medical students of Peshawar.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 students from various public and private sector medical colleges of Peshawar from Sept 2020 to June 2021. After brief introduction and explaining the purpose of this study, a close ended self-reported questionnaire was distributed among them. Questionnaire was comprised of demographic data, family history of atopic disease, source of drug allergy, signs and symptoms of allergy and route of drug administration.Results: Among 300 students, 23 participants indicated drug allergy with self-reported frequency of 7.67%. The most frequently implicated drugs were antibiotics (52.17%), of which levofloxacin was the most common antibiotic followed by NSAIDs (17.39%). The most commonly reported allergic manifestations were cutaneous (34.8%), followed by gastrointestinal (17.4%) and respiratory (13.4%) symptoms. 78% allergic patients had the drug in oral dosage form.Conclusion: Self-reported allergic reactions to the drugs are highly prevalent and poorly explored. Being the most frequent source of drug allergies, patient awareness and education is needed while prescribing Antibiotics and NSAIDs.