Table 1

Classification of adverse drug reactions [1,4,5]

Type A: Predictable

Type B: Unpredictable

• Drug overdose

• Secondary drug effects

• Side effects

• Drug interactions

• Drug allergy: an immunologically mediated ADR

• Pseudoallergic (non-allergic): a reaction with the same clinical manifestations as an allergic reaction, but that lacks immunological specificity

• Drug intolerance: an undesirable pharmacologic effect that occurs at low and sometimes sub-therapeutic doses of the drug that are not caused by underlying abnormalities of metabolism or drug excretion

• Drug idiosyncrasy: an abnormal/unexpected effect, usually caused by underlying abnormalities of metabolism, excretion, or bioavailability

ADR: adverse drug reaction

Warrington and Silviu-Dan Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2011 7(Suppl 1):S10   doi:10.1186/1710-1492-7-S1-S10