Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF TYPES OF DRUG INTERACTIONS, SEVERITY AND ITS OUTCOME IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Potential drug–drugs interactions (pDDIs) are observed to be one of the most frequently appearing challenge that may alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of the drugs thus alter the overall therapeutic response.A prospective observational cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Relevant information was collected according to the approved pre-designed drug interaction collection form including patient demographics, medical history , drug interactions, type of interaction, its severity, management. Data was then statistically analyzed. Among 568 subjects enrolled majority of the patients were of the age group 60-100 years (60%). It was also observed most of the interactions occurred in males (56.33%). On analysis, most of the interactions were of moderate severity(67.6%). And Majority of the interactions were of Pharmacodynamic type (58.27%).Most commonly observed effect was risk of hemorrhage (6.1%), followed by hypoglycemia (5.6%). Out of 568 interactions most of the drug interactions was caused by the object drug –Theophylline (6.16%) and Precipitant drug – Aspirin (9.85%).Potential DDIs are common in elderly people using many drugs and are part of a normal drug regimen. Some combinations are likely to have negative effects; more attention must be focused on detecting and monitoring patients using such combinations. To enable monitoring the interactions in a systematic way, patients should be encouraged to disclose all of their medications to the pharmacist and physician. By doing so, many drug interactions can be avoided or managed safely. Hence pharmacist participation can improve the treatment to hospitalized patients and promote drug safety