Word parts
What it means
A harmful, unintended response to a medicine or treatment. Some textbooks use "side effect" for any expected, often mild, unwanted effect (such as a dry mouth) and "adverse effect" for one that is harmful or serious (such as bleeding or a severe allergic reaction). On the exam, a question about adverse effects usually asks which finding must be reported.
For the nurse
Know the serious adverse effects of each drug you give. Hold the drug, look after the client and report when a serious one appears, then record it. Teach clients which effects to report at once.
In a chart
"Adverse effect noted: hives and itching 20 minutes after the first dose of amoxicillin."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ADR (adverse drug reaction) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | efecto adverso |
| Also written | adverse effects, adverse reaction, adverse reactions, adverse drug reaction, adverse drug reactions, ADR |
Related terms
side effect
An effect of a drug, other than the one it is given for, that is known and expected to happen in some people.
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
contraindication
A reason not to give a drug or do a treatment, because in that person it could cause harm.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.