Evaluation of attitudes of the community pharmacists toward warfarin interactions

Abstract

Objective: The major objectives of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of community pharmacists drug nutrient (warfarin-food containing vitamin K) and drug -drug interactions (warfarin-vitamin K). Methods: The data were collected through three scenarios by the researcher as a co-patient from a total of 90 practicing pharmacists in community pharmacies in Khartoum State during February to April 2011. Results: Only 7% in Omdurman city, 10% in Bahry and Khartoum cities had knowledge about food containing vitamin K. The ratios ranged from 7%-13%. The discussion showed that since the majority of pharmacists surveyed demonstrated lack of knowledge about drug-nutrient interaction, inadequate knowledge may lead to inappropriate patient counseling and adverse medical consequences. Conclusion: Additional training and integration of knowledge and expertise about drug-nutrient interactions among healthcare professionals is essential to provide appropriate patient counseling and optimal therapeutic outcomes.