Adverse drug reactions in dentistry

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an undesirable effect of a drug. ADRs are possible with any medication that is prescribed or administered in the dental office. While most pharmacological agents in use today have favourable drug profiles and are relatively safe, the prudent clinician must be aware of the potential ADRs that can occur and be prepared to manage any complications. Here we review the most commonly used agents in dentistry, namely local anaesthetics, sedatives, analgesics and antibiotics, and their ADRs and management.