Which common medications are most frequently associated with adverse drug reactions in primary care?

In primary care, the common medications most frequently associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) include those that are widely prescribed and have known safety concerns, such as antipsychotics, medications with anticholinergic activity, and other commonly used drugs in polypharmacy contexts. Antipsychotic medications, for example, require careful monitoring due to risks including cardiovascular effects, metabolic changes, and movement disorders, which are common ADRs in primary care settings. Additionally, medicines with anticholinergic properties are notable for their negative impact on cognitive function and mobility, especially in older adults, increasing the risk of ADRs. Polypharmacy itself is a significant risk factor for ADRs, as the use of multiple medicines increases the likelihood of drug interactions and adverse events. These points highlight the importance of medicines optimisation and involving pharmacists in managing medicines to reduce ADRs in primary care ¹,³.