Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate self-
reported adverse reactions associated with the
use of topical ophthalmic medications. A cross-
sectional survey, involving 500 ophthalmic
patients recruited from three eye care facilities
in the Central Region of Ghana was conducted.
A structured questionnaire was administered to
participants to collect data on demographics,
name of drug, dosage form, and dosing frequen-
cy of ophthalmic medications used, as well as
adverse reactions experienced. The pHs of fre-
quently prescribed ophthalmic medications to
the patients were measured. The prevalence of
reported adverse drug reaction [predominantly
burning sensation (55%), blurry vision (22%)
and itching (13%)] was 44.8%. More Females
reported adverse drug reactions than males
(χ2=26.24, P<0.001). The aged reported more
adverse reaction than others (P<0.01). Patients
using cream ophthalmic medications reported
more adverse drug reactions than those using
other dosage forms (χ2=8.80, P=0.024). The
pHs of the commonly prescribed ophthalmic
medications measured ranged between 4.44-
7.37 (desired: 6.6-7.8). There is a high preva-
lence of reported symptoms of adverse drug
reactions among this clinical population attrib-
utable to the acid/base status of the drug agent.
