ADR
Type A (augmented) reactions:
Dose – related
Common, predictable
Related to pharmacology
Unlikely to be fatal
Examples: Digoxin toxicity or constipation with opioid analgesics or bruising with warfarin
Type B (bizarre) reactions:
Not dose related (within the therapeutic dose range)
Uncommon, unpredictable
Not related to pharmacology
Often fatal
Examples: Malignant hyperthermia and hepatitis caused by anaesthetic agents or
hypersensitivity to penicillin
Type C (chronic) reactions:
Related to cumulative dose
Uncommon
Time-related
Examples: Suppression to the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis with long term
corticosteroids