Drug-induced pulmonary disease.
OBJECTIVE
To review some of the types of drug-induced pulmonary disease reported in Australia.


METHODS
Reports of pulmonary side effects made to the Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee between December 1972 and March 1991. Reports of drug-induced pulmonary disease from other countries are also reviewed.


METHODS
Only reports involving large patient numbers are included in the review to limit the bias likely from limited patient numbers.


METHODS
The incidence of adverse responses to a range of commonly used drugs from other countries is compared with reports to the Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee in the last 19 years.


RESULTS
Of adverse drug reactions reported in Australia in the last 19 years 7.7% were of a pulmonary side effect and 55% of these involved a syndrome of airway dysfunction. Bronchospasm and cough were the two most common symptoms of airway dysfunction and beta-blocking drugs and radio contrast media were the drug groups most commonly reported to cause them. These figures are similar to data reported from other countries. Some of the more commonly occurring types of drug-induced disease affecting either the airways or the lung interstices are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Medical practitioners should maintain a high index of clinical suspicion that any unexplained pulmonary disease could be caused by a drug. Most of these reactions are reversible if the drug is withdrawn in time and if additional appropriate measures are taken as required.
Cardiothoracic Unit, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW.
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Bryant
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000336:Aerosols / Q000009:adverse effects; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects; D003371:Cough / Q000139:chemically induced; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009582:Nitrofurantoin / Q000009:adverse effects
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000336:Aerosols; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D009582:Nitrofurantoin; D000638:Amiodarone; D001241:Aspirin