EVALUATION OF DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS IN HOSPITALISED GERIATRIC PATIENTS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

A study was planned to evaluate the prevalence, nature, and severity of drug-drug interactions (DDI) in geriatrics. A prospective observational study was carried out in hospitalized patients. DDIs were evaluated using a medscape drug interaction checker. Data of 300 patients were collected who were followed up for 3 days and analyzed over a period of 7 months. The prevalence rate of DDI was 90.3 %, as 271 out of 300 prescriptions showed drug-drug interaction. Out of 300 patients, 4797 possible DDIs were identified, of which 39 (0.81 %) were contraindicated, 290 (6.04 %) serious drug interactions, 3312 (68.85 %) significant interactions and 1156 (24.09 %) minor interactions. Out of 4797 possible DDIs, 2962 (62.91 %) were pharmacodynamics. 1835 (37.08 %) were pharmacokinetic type. Antihypertensive class of drug showed potential for DDIs. Total 244 (81.33 %) cases were found with potentially inappropriate medicines(PIM). The prevalence of DDIs in geriatric patients was 90.3 %. Poly pharmacy and multiple associated conditions in the elderly were the major contributing factors for DDIs.