A Cross-sectional Analysis of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Prescriptions at a Tertiary care Medical College of North India

Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are a major apprehension in today's health care practice as the chances of adverse drug reactions increase, as well as cause therapeutic failure.Elderly patients with multiple-comorbidities are more prone to DDIs due to the use of multiple medications.The current study aimed to assess the types and severity of DDIs in a tertiary care hospital in North India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for 15 days.A total of 342 prescriptions were analyzed for adverse DDIs using the online Medscape drug interaction checker of prescriptions.The DDIs were grouped into pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions.The pharmacokinetic interactions were again categorized into absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.The DDIs were also classified into severe, moderate and minor based on their severity.The DDIs affecting numerous organ systems were also identified.Results: Of these, 239 (69.88%) prescriptions showed 858 DDIs.Among the DDIs, 531 (62%) were pharmacokinetic interactions, 295 (34.3%) were pharmacodynamic interactions, and 32 (3.7%) were by an unknown mechanism.The severity of the DDIs showed 419 (48.8%) to be moderate, followed by 346 (40.3%) to be minor and 93 (10.9%) to be severe.The gastrointestinal system was the most frequently affected. Conclusion:This study highlights the importance of adequate pharmacological knowledge, thorough medical history taking, and the careful consideration of concurrent medications.