Table 1.

Rationale for the use of triggers

Triggers	Rationales for use
Haematological alterations	Anemia, leucopoenia, and thrombocytopoenia are adverse reactions of various drugs
Biochemical alterations	Hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, elevated BUN and creatinine are common events with various drugs
Cardiac alterations	Tachycardia is common, for example, with β-adrenergic agents, which can cause other arrhythmias; bradycardia may occur with β-blockers
Antihistamines	Indicator of allergic reaction
Corticoids	Potential indicator of allergic reaction
Allergic reactions	Frequently reported adverse events
Non-programmed endotracheal intubation	Potential indicator of respiratory depression, common, for example, with benzodiazepines
Level of consciousness degradations	Common with benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants
Drug interactions	For example, hypotension and lethargy caused by concomitant administration of sedatives and anticonvulsants
Antiseizures prescription	Potential indicative of unexpected seizure, when using medications that may lead to changes in electrolytes and seizures, like amphotericin B
Drug intolerance	For example, vomiting and diarrhoea, frequent events with various medications, such as antibiotics
Non-programmed suspension of drug	Indicative of intolerance or adverse reaction
Fever	Adverse event of drugs such as amphotericin B
Sudden death	Already reported with drug combinations containing dipyrone
Serum level alteration	for monitored drugs such as vancomycin and phenobarbital, with a narrow therapeutic range and potentially toxic at high levels
Aminophylline/adrenaline prescription	Potential indicators of severe allergic reactions
Antidotes prescription	For example, the use of flumazenil may indicate adverse events due to the use of benzodiazepines
Others	Adverse events discovered in the review of medical records, and that does not fit in any trigger, being the trigger the event itself

BUN, blood urea nitrogen.