Clinical effects of potential drug-drug interactions in hemorrhagic stroke patients admitted to the emergency department

Aim: Hemorrhagic stroke is a medical condition characterized by non-traumatic intracranial bleeding, leading to high mortality and morbidity, and is frequently diagnosed in emergency departments.Its prevalence varies between countries, highlighting the importance of investigating modifiable risk factors.Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) may contribute to its development.This study aims to evaluate the medications used by hemorrhagic stroke patients over the past six months, assess potential DDIs, and examine their relationship with age, sex, and clinical parameters.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke both radiologically and clinically in the emergency department.Patients were categorized into three groups: hemorrhagic stroke risk interaction, non-risk interaction, and no interaction.Results: Of 198 patients, 68% were male and 32% female, with a mean age of 61.93 18.2 years.Chronic disease was present in 67.6% of patients; hypertension was the most common.At least one medication was used by 56.1%, and 49.5% of them had DDIs.Overall, DDIs were identified in 27.7% of all patients.Patients with hemorrhagic stroke risk interactions were significantly older (p < 0.001) and had more comorbidities (p < 0.0001).Hypertension was significantly more frequent in this group (p < 0.0001).Risk-related DDIs included 30 associated with elevated blood pressure, 12 with bleeding, and 2 with arrhythmia.Discussion: DDIs are a modifiable risk factor in hemorrhagic stroke.Medication histories should be carefully reviewed, particularly in elderly, multimorbid patients.Caution is essential in patients using antihypertensives, and polypharmacy should be minimized to reduce interaction risks.