Analysis of drug-drug interactions in prescriptions for hospitalized diabetic patients
- Author:
Li-Wei JI
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Clinical pharmacist; Diabetic mellitus; Drug-drug interaction; Endocrinology
- From: Chinese Pharmaceutical Journal 2014;49(11):944-947
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the types and prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in the prescriptions for diabetic patients hospitalized in the department of endocrinology from March 2012 to February 2013, classify the DDIs as per pharmacotherapeutic class of medications and investigate the relationship between medication classes and frequency of potential DDIs, in order to provide basis for management of medication therapy. METHODS: The prescriptions were checked for drug interactions by clinical pharmacists with the support of hospital drug information system. RESULTS: Prescriptions for total of 450 diabetic patients were collected. The average HbA1C before hospitalization was (9.4±2.4)%. The average duration of diabetes was(11.0±8.1)years. The most common regimen was insulin therapy, followed by combination therapy of insulin and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. The most common DDIs occured between aspirin and β-blockers. CONCLUSION: The patients are at risk of potential DDIs. An appropriate surveillance system for monitoring such interactions should be implemented. Physicians should be more aware of potentially harmful DDIs. Pharmacists can contribute to the detection and prevention of drug-related injuries, especially of clinically meaningful DDIs that pose potential risks to patient safety.
