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Archived Comments for: Constipation and diarrhoea - common adverse drug reactions? A cross sectional study in the general population

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  1. Are these adverse drug reactionns or side effects? Which way to think

    Shazia Jamshed, International Medical University

    25 March 2011

    First I would like to laud the efforts of authors who discussed this important topic. Generally, whenever during lecture I use to teach my students the side effects of medicines, diarrhea and/or constipation are the two major side effects reported almost with every medicine profile. I had one concern which might be addressed by the authors. What is the parameter to differentiate between side effects and adverse effects? Why authors used the term adverse effects? Why not side effects?
    Diarrhea and/or constipation are merely the extensions of the pharmacological effects of drugs which are mostly transient and resolve with time.

    My concern is why to use adverse effects or adverse drug reaction.

    Most likely , a short response from authors may highlight new avenues which could be another 'food of thought'


    Shazia Qasim Jamshed
    Lecturer
    International Medical University,
    Kuala Lumpur,
    Malaysia

    Competing interests

    No competing interests

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