Which is an example of a Type B ADR?

• A. Anaphylaxis to penicillin
• B. Adrenal suppression with corticosteroids
• C. Bleeding risk with anticoagulants
• D. Carcinogenesis and teratogenesis

Answer: (A)

Type B adverse drug reactions are unpredictable and not dose-dependent; they’re often immune-mediated or idiosyncratic. Anaphylaxis to penicillin fits this pattern because it’s an immune hypersensitivity reaction that can occur unpredictably and isn’t directly tied to the dose given. The other examples reflect effects that are more predictable and dose-related: adrenal suppression from corticosteroids depends on how much and how long you’re exposed to steroids; bleeding risk with anticoagulants rises with higher levels of anticoagulation; and carcinogenesis/teratogenesis are long-term risks that don’t represent the spontaneous, idiosyncratic reactions described by Type B.