OBJECTIVES : Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Anesthetics may cause a large number of possible ADRs that require continuous monitoring. The objective of the analysis was to identify , evaluate the utilisation of the the various drugs used in the general surgery department and record suspected anesthetic-related ADRs

METHODS : A prospective six-month observational study was conducted on inpatients admitted to the Department of General Surgery at the tertiary health care hospital. Suspected ADRs have been reported and tested for causality, frequency and preventability using the appropriate validated scales and the various drugs used in the general surgery were identified

RESULTS : A total of 1800 patients were studied, out of which 1390 (77%) developed at least one ADR due to anesthesia. General anesthesia (GA) used in 1010 patients included a combination of drugs like propofol, midazolam, fentanyl, atracurium and isoflurane whilst Local Anesthesia (LA)used in 700 mainly comprised of either bupivacaine or lidocaine. Combination of GA and LA were used in 90 patients. However there were other drugs utilised followed by anesthetics where antibiotics-piperracillin+tazobactum(53%)cefperazone(45%) were utilised the most and analgesics-NSAIDs(73%) and opiods(25%)] were the most widely used .Among the total 2120 ADRs observed, GA contributed to 1350(6%) reactions and LA caused 770 (36%) ADRs. Cardiovascular system (71%) was the most commonly affected organ system, followed by respiratory system (13%).The causality assessment using Naranjo’s scale revealed that 1260 (59%) ADRs were probable.1240 (58%) ADRs were moderate and 80 (4%) were severe according to Hartwig and Siegel’s severity assessment scale. As per Schumack and Thornton Preventability assessment scale, 1810 (85%) ADR were probably preventable

CONCLUSIONS : Anesthetics can induce potential ADRs which require prompt management and protocol reporting. Pharmacovigilance thus plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes, and would substantially reduce the financial pressure on patients.