Introduction.

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of negative outcomes associated with medication (NOMs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring in the emergency department (ED) of a health centre.

Method.

An exploratory observational, cross-sectional study of patients with NOMs consulting in an ED. According to the variables of interest, the information was collected with an instrument designed and evaluated for this purpose.

A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to the NOMs and found the most important variables predisposing to the appearance of NOM. In addition, the avoid ability of NOM (Baena et al. criteria), the severity of NOM (Schneider classification) and the causality of ADR (Naranjo algorithm) were shown.

Results.

A total of 158 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of visits to the ED due to NOM was 35.0 % (55 patients) and ADR was 5.1 % (8 patients). Overall, 88.0 % of the ADRs were considered avoidable and 74.0 % were of mild severity. On the other hand, 37.5 % (n=3) of suspected ADR were classified as avoidable and 50.0 % as probable. The multivariate logistic model indicates a possible association between NOMs with lower levels of schooling, the use of medicinal plants and the number of diseases.

Conclusions.

The visit of 1 in 3 patients to the emergency department is associated with a NOM, while 1 in 20 is associated with an ADR. Further studies are needed.

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