Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANT DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS IN SURGICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY DEPARTMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Anu Varughese*, Rahul D Kunju, Grace Mary John and Sujith Philip

Abstract

Background: Drug-drug interaction may lead to serious health problems hence detecting and avoiding the concomitant use of interacting agents are necessary. Aim: Identification and reporting of possible significant drug interactions in surgical gastroenterology department in a tertiary care hospital. Objective: The main objective of the study includes preventing and monitoring drug interactions, identifying and minimizing medication related problems, improving patient safety, providing better therapy, improving the Patient health related outcomes Material and methods: A Prospective observational study conducted for a period of two months. DDIs were analyzed using Computerized database system Lexi-comp. Results: Total 160drug – drug interaction were screened in which 33(20.6%) were major interactions, 38(23.7%) were moderate interactions and 89 (55.6%) were minor interactions. Out of total interactions, 91.25% were pharmacodynamics drug-drug interaction and 8.75%were pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction. Patients with less than or equal to 5 drugs prescribed per day have 28% interaction and patients with more than 5 drugs prescribed per day have 71% possible drug drug interaction. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist have significant role in identifying and controlling possible major interactions.

Keywords: Drug-drug interactions, Surgical gastroenterology, Patient safety, Clinical Pharmacist.